Your home is likely among your most prized investments. It assists you financially through increasing equity, and it’s a place to watch your family grow and create memorable moments, too. During the winter, you may also be experiencing increased energy costs.
Consequently, finding ways to lower your heating bill in Daytona Beach without giving up comfort can feel difficult.
As far as energy efficiency, residences are similar to vehicles. Some require a lot of energy while others drink it gradually. Regardless of what sort of home you have, there are methods to stop the discomfort this winter. The Experts are here with seven ideas to keep your family warm without driving up your energy bill.
1. Change Your Air Filter
It’s the most economical suggestion that exists. It’s also the best way to keep your furnace running optimally throughout the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal factors contribute to how often you should replace it. Soaring allergen counts, pets and house size can also influence its durability. Generally, inexpensive filters should be changed every month. Pleated styles made with better material could work for three months or longer.
“It’s really the big thing people forget about,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more loaded up the filter is, the less air is able to go through it and actually add warmth to the home. A clogged filter makes your heating system work harder.”
2. Schedule Regular HVAC Service
It’s common to have a tech come by your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your unit is prepared for the heat.
But don’t overlook scheduling an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other actions, an inspection usually involves:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and greasing internal parts
- Examining system shutdown and startup procedures
Maintenance helps decrease the likelihood of dealing with an emergency repair in the middle of winter. Some reports have indicated as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been avoided with normal service.
3. Inspect Windows and Doors for Cracks
Windows and doors are a central entry point for frigid air. Caulking window and door frames is an inexpensive approach to help keep chilly air out.
Here’s one test that Hughes recommends.
Latch a door. Do you notice any light? If so, it’s not entirely sealed. Changes or weather-stripping could be necessary.
If you have single-pane windows, you might want to consider a dual-pane option.
Some homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic film.
It’s not a bad idea, but dual-pane windows provide much better insulation for keeping chilled air where it belongs.
When you install double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or greater.
4. Regulate Use of Vented Appliances
If you need the exhaust fan during cooking, Hughes suggests against leaving it running for a long time.
The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t allow it to work after your clothes are ready.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan pulls out heated air out and increases cold air. Using these appliances continuously will make your furnace to work harder to battle the avoidable chill.
5. Inspect Your Home’s Perimeter for Holes
Examine your residence’s building envelope. This is the area that separates your house from the outside. If your home has a basement, watch for blowing cobwebs or chilly air leaking in near the sides.
Polyurethane products and other options can be used to plug basement walls leaking air into your house. Another inexpensive idea is to add foam seals for fixture bases, like ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re easy to use and are fantastic at stopping cold air in the winter.
6. Evaluate Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth making sure that you have adequate insulation levels
Hughes recommends looking at the ENERGY STAR® zone map to find the appropriate R-value for your house’s walls and attic space. This value is based on the geographic area where you live.
7. Sign Up for Our Advantage Program™
Winter might be rough for homeowners with inefficient units.
If your furnace is failing or requiring extensive fixes, there’s a fair chance you’re not ready to spend thousands on a new system.
That’s why we have our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you prevent expensive fixes through a low monthly fee.
We’ll also install an energy-efficient system in your residence. Plus our professional techs will overhaul and tune it up for you without any added out-of-pocket cost
Book an Appointment with Us Now
Make your Daytona Beach residence more energy efficient with expert support from Service Experts.
For more details about our Advantage Program or to book an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 386-310-2061 or contact us online now.