Your residence is usually one of your most cherished investments. It assists you financially through equity-building, and it’s a place to raise your family and develop moments you’ll remember, too. During the winter, you may also be dealing with increased utility bills.
As a result, finding techniques to lower your heating bill in Kingston without lowering comfort can feel harder than it needs to be.
In regard to energy efficiency, residences resemble vehicles. Some consume a lot of energy while others sip it gradually. Regardless of what sort of residence you have, there are ways to block the discomfort this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to keep your family comfy without driving up your energy bill.
1. Change Your Air Filter
It’s the most inexpensive solution that exists. It’s also the best approach to keep your heating system running optimally during the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal factors contribute to how frequently you should replace it. Soaring allergen counts, pets and house size can also influence its longevity. Typically, fiberglass filters should be changed monthly. Pleated ones made with denser material could work for three months or longer.
“It’s really the big thing folks 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 move through it and actually heat the residence. An overloaded filter makes your furnace work harder.”
2. Schedule Regular HVAC Service
It’s standard to have a tech come by your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your unit is prepared for the heat.
But don’t overlook scheduling an appointment for furnace service before the winter too.
Among other actions, an inspection typically involves:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and lubricating internal components
- Examining system shutdown and startup procedures
Regular service helps lower the odds of dealing with an emergency repair in the middle of winter. Some reports have indicated as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been prevented with standard tune-ups.
3. Examine Windows and Doors for Cracks
Windows and doors are a primary entry point for frigid air. Caulking window and door frames is an economical approach to help keep cold air outside.
Here’s one assessment that Hughes suggests.
Latch a door. Is any light visible? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not fully sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping could be necessary.
If your home has single-pane windows, you may want to think over a dual-pane upgrade.
Many 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 out.
When you switch to double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.
4. Limit Use of Vented Appliances
If you require the exhaust fan throughout cooking, Hughes suggests against leaving it running for a long time.
The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t permit it to work after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan expels heated air out and adds cold air. Running these appliances longer than needed will require your furnace to run more often to manage the unnecessary cold.
5. Look at Your Residence’s Edges for Cracks
Evaluate your residence’s building envelope. This is the barrier that protects your house from the weather. If your home has a basement, be on the lookout for moving cobwebs or cold leaking in close by the corners.
Polyurethane sealant and other things can be purchased to mend basement walls allowing air into your residence. Another cost-effective tip is to add foam seals for fixture bases, for example ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re quick to install and are awesome at keeping the cold air out in the winter.
6. Measure Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth confirming that you have adequate insulation levels
Hughes recommends looking at the ENERGY STAR® zone map to find the recommended R-value for your home’s walls and attic space. This suggestion is established on the geographic location where you live.
7. Sign Up for Our Advantage Program™
Winter can be rough for homeowners with underperforming equipment.
If your furnace is going out or requiring extensive service, there’s a good chance you’re not able to spend thousands on an updated system.
That’s why we offer our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you prevent costly service calls through a small monthly fee.
We’ll also hook up an energy-saving system in your residence. Plus our Expert specialists will fix and tune it up for you without any added out-of-pocket fee
Schedule an Appointment with Us Now
Make your Kingston house more energy efficient with pro support from Kingston Home Services by Enercare.
For more specifics about our Advantage Program or to schedule an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 613-817-1591 or contact us online now.