Your house is usually at the top of the list of your most cherished investments. It supports you financially through building equity, and it’s a space to raise your family and create memories, too. When it’s cold, you might also be dealing with growing gas bills.
As a result, finding techniques to lower your heating bill in Orlando without giving up comfort can feel harder than it needs to be.
When it comes to energy efficiency, houses are like motor vehicles. Some require a lot of energy while others sip it slowly. Regardless of what type of house you have, there are steps to halt the discomfort this winter. The Experts are here with seven ideas to help your family stay toasty without going over budget.
1. Change Your Air Filter
It’s the most cost-effective suggestion out there. It’s also the best way to keep your furnace running properly during the winter.
The model of filter and seasonal determinants influence how frequently you should replace it. High allergen counts, pets and home size might also influence its life span. Typically, low-priced filters should be changed monthly. Pleated models made with higher-quality material may make it three months or longer.
“It’s really the major thing folks ignore,” 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 warm the house. An overloaded filter makes your heating system work harder.”
2. Schedule Regular HVAC Service
It’s common to have a tech come by your home in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is prepared for the summer.
But don’t neglect to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it gets cold too.
Among other procedures, an inspection commonly covers:
- Double-checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and greasing internal components
- Examining system shutdown and startup processes
Regular service helps lessen the odds of facing an emergency repair in the middle of a cold snap. Some reports have indicated as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been avoided with normal maintenance.
3. Check Windows and Doors for Leaks
Windows and doors are a primary entry point for frigid air. Caulking window and door frames is an practical way to help keep cold air out.
Here’s one check that Hughes recommends.
Latch a door. Can you see any light? If that’s the case, it’s not entirely sealed. Modifications or weather-stripping may be necessary.
If your home has single-pane windows, you may want to consider a dual-pane upgrade.
Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic film.
It’s not a bad idea, but dual-pane windows provide superior insulation for keeping cold air out.
When you switch to double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or higher.
4. Limit Use of Vented Appliances
If you need the exhaust fan throughout cooking, Hughes advises against leaving it running for a long time.
The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t permit it to run after your clothes are ready.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan forces out hot air away from your home and increases cold air. Using these appliances all the time will make your heater to work harder to take care of the preventable coldness.
5. Inspect Your Residence’s Edges for Leaks
Inspect your home’s perimeter. This is the boundary that protects your residence from the weather. If your home has a basement, look for moving cobwebs or cold leaking in close by the corners.
Polyurethane sealant and other options can be used to mend basement walls letting air into your residence. Another cost-effective idea is to get foam seals for fixture undersides, for example ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re fast to install and are great at stopping cold air in the winter.
6. Evaluate Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth ensuring that you have adequate insulation levels
Hughes suggests visiting the ENERGY STAR® zone map to locate the recommended R-value for your residence’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is based on the geographic spot where you’re located.
7. Consider Our Advantage Program™
Winter can be rough for homeowners with inefficient units.
If your furnace is malfunctioning or needing extensive service, there’s a reasonable chance you’re not able to spend thousands on a new system.
That’s why we have our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you bypass expensive fixes through a small monthly fee.
We’ll also install a high-efficiency system in your house. Plus our pro specialists will overhaul and tune it up for you without any additional out-of-pocket cost
Schedule an Appointment with Us Today
Make your Orlando house more energy efficient with expert help from Service Experts.
For more specifics about our Advantage Program or to book an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 407-329-7661 or contact us online now.