Your home is likely among your most precious investments. It assists you financially through increasing equity, and it’s a space to raise your family and create memories, too. During the winter, you may also be experiencing rising energy bills.
As a result, finding ways to lower your heating bill in Livermore without giving up comfort can appear challenging.
As far as energy efficiency, residences resemble vehicles. Some consume a lot of energy while others use it gradually. Regardless of what type of residence you live in, there are steps to end the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven ideas to help you stay comfy without breaking the bank.
1. Get a New Your Air Filter
It’s the most economical recommendation out there. It’s also the best approach to keep your heating system running properly throughout the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal elements contribute to how frequently you should put in a new one. High allergen counts, pets and house size can also affect its life span. Typically, inexpensive filters should be replaced monthly. Pleated ones made with thicker material could last three months or longer.
“It’s really the large thing homeowners forget about,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more full the filter is, the less air is able to go through it and actually heat the house. A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder.”
2. Schedule Regular HVAC Service
It’s normal to have a tech come by your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your air conditioner is ready for the summer.
But don’t neglect to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other actions, an inspection usually involves:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and greasing internal components
- Examining system shutdown and startup procedures
Regular service helps decrease the possibility of dealing with an emergency repair in the middle of a blizzard. Some reports have found as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been prevented with normal tune-ups.
3. Check Windows and Doors for Holes
Windows and doors are a leading entry point for frigid air. Caulking window and door frames is an inexpensive way to help keep cold air outside.
Here’s one check that Hughes suggests.
Latch a door. Can you see any light? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not fully sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping may be necessary.
If your residence has single-pane windows, you may want to think over a dual-pane upgrade.
A lot of homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic film.
It’s not a bad idea, but dual-pane windows provide enhanced insulation for keeping chilled air out.
When you switch to double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or higher.
4. Restrict Use of Vented Appliances
If you require the exhaust fan during cooking, Hughes suggests against leaving it on for too long.
The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t allow it to operate after your clothes are ready.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan pulls out heated air out and adds cold air. Using these appliances continuously will require your HVAC system to work harder to handle the unnecessary chill.
5. Inspect Your Home’s Outer Edges for Holes
Inspect your residence’s building envelope. This is the barrier that shields your residence from the elements. If there’s a basement, look for fluttering cobwebs or cold coming in close by the sides.
Polyurethane products and other things can be purchased to mend basement walls allowing air into your home. Another economical move is to add foam seals for fixture undersides, like ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re quick to install and are fantastic at stopping cold air in the winter.
6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth ensuring that you have thick enough insulation levels
Hughes recommends looking at the ENERGY STAR® zone map to determine the recommended R-value for your house’s walls and attic space. This suggestion is established on the geographic area where you live.
7. Sign Up for Our Advantage Program™
Winter might be tough for homeowners with old equipment.
If your furnace is malfunctioning or needing costly service, there’s a decent chance you’re not prepared to spend thousands on a new system.
That’s why we offer our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you avoid pricey service calls through a low monthly fee.
We’ll also install an energy-efficient system in your house. Plus our pro specialists will repair and maintain it for you without any additional out-of-pocket fee
Request an Appointment with Us Now
Make your Livermore residence more energy efficient with pro help from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to request an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 925-364-5427 or contact us online right away.