Your residence is likely among your most treasured investments. It supports you financially through building equity, and it’s an area to enjoy with your family and create memories, too. This time of year, you could also be experiencing higher utility bills.
Consequently, finding approaches to lower your heating bill in Niagara Falls without giving up comfort can feel challenging.
When it comes to energy efficiency, residences are like cars. Some require a lot of energy while others sip it gradually. Regardless of what kind of home you have, there are methods to block the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven ideas to keep your family comfortable without breaking the bank.
1. Get a New Your Air Filter
It’s the most cost-effective solution there is. It’s also the best way to keep your furnace functioning smoothly during the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal factors affect how regularly you should put in a new one. Soaring allergen counts, pets and residence size may also influence its longevity. Typically, inexpensive filters should be replaced each month. Pleated styles made with thicker material could make it 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 add warmth to the home. A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder.”
2. Schedule Annual HVAC Service
It’s standard to have a tech come to your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is ready for the heat.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before the winter too.
Among other actions, an inspection commonly involves:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and greasing internal parts
- Examining system shutdown and startup controls
Regular service helps lessen the likelihood of dealing with 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 avoided with regular tune-ups.
3. Examine Windows and Doors for Cracks
Windows and doors are a central entry point for frigid air. Caulking window and door frames is an cost effective approach to help keep chilly air out.
Here’s one assessment that Hughes recommends.
Latch a door. Do you notice any light? If so, it’s not fully sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping may be needed.
If you have single-pane windows, you might want to consider a dual-pane improvement.
Some homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic wrap.
It’s not a bad move, but dual-pane windows provide much better insulation for keeping chilled air out.
When you install double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.
4. Restrict Use of Vented Appliances
If you need the exhaust fan during cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it on for too long.
The same applies to for the dryer. Don’t let it to operate after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan pulls out heated air out and adds cold air. Operating these appliances continuously will require your heater to use more energy to take care of the preventable cold.
5. Inspect Your Residence’s Edges for Holes
Evaluate your residence’s perimeter. This is the boundary that separates your home from the outside. If you have a basement, be on the lookout for blowing cobwebs or chilly air flowing in near the corners.
Polyurethane sealant and other things can be used to mend basement walls allowing air into your home. Another inexpensive tip is to get foam seals for fixture bases, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re quick to install and are fantastic at keeping the cold air out in the winter.
6. Measure Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth making sure that you have appropriate insulation levels
Hughes suggests checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to find the recommended R-value for your house’s walls and attic space. This value is based on the geographic spot where your home is.
7. Think About Our Advantage Program™
Winter can be trying for homeowners with inefficient equipment.
If your furnace is not working right or needing costly repair, there’s a reasonable chance you’re not ready to spend thousands on a new system.
That’s why we have our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you bypass costly repairs through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also install an energy-saving system in your home. Plus our pro techs will repair and maintain it for you without any additional out-of-pocket expense
Request an Appointment with Us Now
Make your Niagara Falls house more energy efficient with Expert assistance from Niagara Home Services by Enercare.
For more specifics about our Advantage Program or to schedule an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 289-273-2229 or contact us online today.