Your residence is likely at the top of the list of your most cherished investments. It supports you financially through building equity, and it’s a space to watch your family grow and make moments you’ll remember, too. During the winter, you might also be dealing with growing energy costs.
As a result, finding techniques to lower your heating bill in Edmonton without giving up comfort can seem difficult.
In regard to energy efficiency, houses resemble cars. Some require a lot of energy while others sip it slowly. Regardless of what sort of residence you have, there are methods to stop the cold this winter. The Experts are here with seven suggestions to keep your family warm without going over budget.
1. Get a New Your Air Filter
It’s the most economical recommendation out there. It’s also the best way to keep your furnace operating properly during the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal factors influence how frequently you should get a new one. Soaring allergen counts, pets and residence size may also influence its longevity. Generally, cheap filters should be changed monthly. Pleated ones made with thicker material might last three months or longer.
“It’s really the big thing people overlook,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more overloaded the filter is, the less air is able to go through it and actually heat the residence. A clogged filter makes your HVAC system work harder.”
2. Schedule Annual HVAC Service
It’s normal to have an Expert visit your home in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is ready for the warm weather.
But don’t overlook scheduling an appointment for furnace service before the winter too.
Among other actions, an inspection typically covers:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and lubricating internal parts
- Inspecting system shutdown and startup controls
Maintenance helps decrease the chance of handling 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 prevented with regular service.
3. Check Windows and Doors for Leaks
Windows and doors are a main entry point for frigid air. Caulking window and door frames is an economical way to help keep cold air outside.
Here’s one assessment that Hughes recommends.
Shut a door. Is any light visible? If so, it’s not entirely sealed. Modifications or weather-stripping might be needed.
If your residence has single-pane windows, you should think about a dual-pane upgrade.
Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic sheeting.
It’s not a bad move, but dual-pane windows provide much better insulation for keeping cool air outside.
When you switch to double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.
4. Limit Use of Vented Appliances
If you need the exhaust fan while cooking, Hughes suggests against leaving it going for an extended period of time.
The same holds true for the dryer. Don’t allow it to work after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan pulls out warm air out and adds cold air. Running these appliances continuously will require your HVAC system to run more often to battle the preventable chill.
5. Examine Your Home’s Perimeter for Leaks
Examine your house’s perimeter. This is the boundary that separates your house from the elements. If your home has a basement, watch for fluttering cobwebs or cold coming in close by the sides.
Polyurethane products and other solutions can be bought to fix basement walls allowing air into your home. Another affordable idea is to get foam seals for fixture bases, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re simple to put in and are awesome at keeping the cold air out in the winter.
6. Measure Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth ensuring that you have thick enough insulation levels
Hughes recommends visiting the ENERGY STAR® zone map to find the appropriate R-value for your residence’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is based on the geographic location where your home is.
7. Think About Our Advantage Program™
Winter may be rough for homeowners with underperforming equipment.
If your furnace is malfunctioning or needing major repair, there’s a decent chance you’re not set to spend thousands on a modern system.
That’s why we provide our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you prevent costly service calls through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also install a high-efficiency system in your residence. Plus our pro specialists will repair and service it for you without any added out-of-pocket expense
Schedule an Appointment with Us Today
Make your Edmonton home more energy efficient with professional assistance from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to book an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 587-404-0790 or contact us online now.