Your residence is likely among your most prized investments. It assists you financially through boosting equity, and it’s an area to raise your family and make moments you’ll remember, too. During the winter, you might also be experiencing rising utility expenses.
Consequently, finding methods to lower your heating bill in Fort Lauderdale without giving up comfort can appear challenging.
When it comes to energy efficiency, homes are like cars. Some require a lot of energy while others drink it slowly. Regardless of what kind of house you live in, there are steps to block the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven suggestions to keep your family comfortable without driving up your energy bill.
1. Change Your Air Filter
It’s the most inexpensive solution there is. It’s also the best approach to keep your heating system functioning smoothly throughout the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal determinants influence how frequently you should put in a new one. Soaring allergen counts, pets and home size can also impact its life span. In most cases, cheap filters should be changed monthly. Pleated ones made with better material may work for three months or longer.
“It’s really the big thing homeowners ignore,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more overloaded the filter is, the less air is able to move through it and actually warm the house. A clogged filter makes your heating system work harder.”
2. Schedule Regular HVAC Service
It’s common to have a tech come to your residence in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is ready for the summer.
But don’t overlook scheduling an appointment for furnace service before the winter too.
Among other procedures, an inspection typically involves:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and greasing internal parts
- Taking a look at system shutdown and startup controls
Regular service helps decrease the likelihood of facing an emergency repair in the middle of a cold snap. Some reports have found as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been prevented with normal service.
3. Check Windows and Doors for Leaks
Windows and doors are a leading entry point for chilly air. Sealing window and door frames is an inexpensive way to help keep cold air where it belongs.
Here’s one test that Hughes recommends.
Shut a door. Do you notice any light? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not totally sealed. Modifications or weather-stripping might be necessary.
If your home has single-pane windows, you might want to consider a dual-pane option.
A lot of homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic sheeting.
It’s not a bad solution, but dual-pane windows provide enhanced insulation for keeping cool air outside.
When you install double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or greater.
4. Regulate Use of Vented Appliances
If you use the exhaust fan throughout cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it on for a long time.
The same holds true for the dryer. Don’t let it to work after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan pulls out heated air out and increases cold air. Using these appliances all the time will make your furnace to use more energy to fight the unnecessary coldness.
5. Look at Your Home’s Perimeter for Holes
Check your house’s building envelope. This is the barrier that shields your home from the weather. If you have a basement, be on the lookout for moving cobwebs or chilly air flowing in close by the corners.
Polyurethane sealers and other solutions can be bought to mend basement walls leaking air into your home. Another inexpensive move is to add foam seals for fixture bases, for example ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re fast to use and are great at blocking cold air in the winter.
6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth making sure that you have thick enough insulation levels
Hughes advises checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to determine the recommended R-value for your home’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is formulated on the geographic spot where you live.
7. Sign Up for Our Advantage Program™
Winter might be tough for homeowners with failing units.
If your furnace is malfunctioning or requiring major fixes, there’s a reasonable chance you’re not prepared to spend thousands on an updated system.
That’s why we provide our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you bypass costly repairs through a small monthly fee.
We’ll also put in a high-efficiency system in your home. Plus our Expert specialists will overhaul and tune it up for you without any additional out-of-pocket fee
Request an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Fort Lauderdale house more energy efficient with expert assistance from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to book an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 954-736-4314 or contact us online today.