Your house is likely at the top of the list of your most prized investments. It assists you financially through boosting equity, and it’s a space to raise your family and create memories, too. This time of year, you might also be dealing with rising heating expenses.
As a result, finding approaches to lower your heating bill in Oklahoma City without lowering comfort can seem challenging.
In regard to energy efficiency, residences resemble cars. Some require a lot of energy while others sip it steadily. Regardless of what kind of home you live in, there are steps to halt the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven suggestions to keep your family comfortable without driving up your energy bill.
1. Get a New Your Air Filter
It’s the most cost-effective solution out there. It’s also the best way to keep your heater operating optimally throughout the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal factors contribute to how frequently you should replace it. Soaring allergen counts, pets and residence size can also affect its longevity. In most cases, fiberglass filters should be changed monthly. Pleated ones made with better material could make it 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 loaded up the filter is, the less air is able to go through it and actually warm the home. A dirty filter makes your heating system work harder.”
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Service
It’s common to have a technician come to your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your air conditioner is prepped for the warm weather.
But don’t overlook scheduling an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other procedures, an inspection usually involves:
- Checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and oiling internal components
- Inspecting system shutdown and startup procedures
Maintenance helps lessen the odds of facing an emergency repair in the middle of winter. Some reports have found as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been stopped with standard maintenance.
3. Examine Windows and Doors for Cracks
Windows and doors are a main entry point for frigid air. Sealing window and door frames is an inexpensive approach to help keep frigid air out.
Here’s one check that Hughes recommends.
Latch a door. Is any light visible? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not totally sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping may be necessary.
If your home has single-pane windows, you may want to consider a dual-pane option.
A lot of homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic wrap.
It’s not a bad option, but dual-pane windows provide enhanced insulation for keeping chilled air outside.
When you add double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.
4. Regulate Use of Vented Appliances
If you use the exhaust fan while cooking, Hughes suggests against leaving it on for an extended period of time.
The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t allow it to run after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan forces out heated air away from your home and increases cold air. Operating these appliances longer than needed will force your heater to work harder to battle the preventable coldness.
5. Look at Your House’s Outer Edges for Leaks
Inspect your house’s perimeter. This is the area that separates your house from the weather. If you have a basement, watch for fluttering cobwebs or chilly air leaking in around the corners.
Polyurethane sealers and other solutions can be used to plug basement walls allowing 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 quick 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 thick enough insulation levels
Hughes recommends visiting the ENERGY STAR® zone map to find the suitable R-value for your residence’s walls and attic space. This value is based on the geographic area where you’re located.
7. Sign Up for Our Advantage Program™
Winter could be trying for homeowners with old equipment.
If your furnace is going out or needing major fixes, there’s a fair chance you’re not set to spend thousands on a new system.
That’s why we have our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you bypass costly fixes through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also put in a high-efficiency system in your house. Plus our Expert specialists will repair and maintain it for you without any additional out-of-pocket cost
Request an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Oklahoma City residence more energy efficient with pro help from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to book an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 405-432-2197 or contact us online today.