Your house is likely among your most treasured investments. It supports you financially through equity-building, and it’s an area to raise your family and develop memories, too. When it’s cold, you might also face increased energy bills.
As a result, finding techniques to lower your heating bill in Nashville without compromising comfort can feel harder than it needs to be.
As far as energy efficiency, homes are like vehicles. Some guzzle energy while others use it steadily. Regardless of what sort of residence you own, there are steps to stop the discomfort this winter. The Experts are here with seven suggestions to keep your family comfortable without breaking the bank.
1. Replace Your Your Air Filter
It’s the most inexpensive suggestion there is. It’s also the best approach to keep your heater running smoothly through the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal factors contribute to how often you should put in a new one. Soaring allergen counts, pets and residence size may also impact its life span. In most cases, fiberglass filters should be swapped each month. Pleated models made with thicker material may last 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 full the filter is, the less air is able to go through it and actually warm the residence. A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder.”
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Service
It’s normal to have a technician come by your residence in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is prepared for the summer.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before the winter too.
Among other actions, an inspection usually covers:
- Checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and greasing internal parts
- Examining system shutdown and startup procedures
Maintenance helps lessen the likelihood of handling an emergency repair in the middle of winter. Some reports have shown as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been avoided with standard maintenance.
3. Check Windows and Doors for Holes
Windows and doors are a leading entry point for chilly air. Insulating window and door frames is an economical way to help keep chilly air outside.
Here’s one check that Hughes suggests.
Shut a door. Is any light visible? If that’s the case, it’s not fully sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping could be required.
If your residence has single-pane windows, you should think about a dual-pane option.
A lot of homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic film.
It’s not a bad move, but dual-pane windows provide enhanced insulation for keeping cool air out.
When you add double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.
4. Regulate Use of Vented Appliances
If you require the exhaust fan while cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it running for an extended period of time.
The same holds true for the dryer. Don’t let it to run after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan pulls out hot air away from your home and increases cold air. Operating these appliances continuously will force your HVAC system to run more often to take care of the avoidable cold.
5. Check Your House’s Outer Edges for Cracks
Inspect your home’s building envelope. This is the barrier that separates your house from the elements. If your home has a basement, be on the lookout for blowing cobwebs or chilly air trickling in around the edges.
Polyurethane sealers and other options can be bought to plug basement walls allowing air into your residence. Another inexpensive move is to add foam seals for fixture bases, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re fast to install and are awesome at blocking cold air in the winter.
6. Measure Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth confirming that you have appropriate insulation levels
Hughes advises looking at the ENERGY STAR® zone map to locate the suitable R-value for your home’s walls and attic space. This value is based on the geographic area where you live.
7. Consider Our Advantage Program™
Winter can be trying for homeowners with inefficient units.
If your furnace is failing or requiring expensive repair, there’s a fair 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 avoid costly fixes through a small monthly fee.
We’ll also hook up an energy-efficient system in your home. Plus our professional specialists will fix and tune it up for you without any extra out-of-pocket cost
Schedule an Appointment with Us Now
Make your Nashville house more energy efficient with pro support from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to schedule an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 615-953-9885 or contact us online right away.