Your house is usually at the top of the list of your most valued investments. It assists you financially through equity-building, and it’s an area to watch your family grow and create memories, too. During the winter, you may also be dealing with higher gas bills.
Consequently, finding approaches to lower your heating bill in Tulsa without giving up comfort can appear challenging.
As far as energy efficiency, homes resemble vehicles. Some consume a lot of energy while others sip it slowly. Regardless of what type of residence you have, there are ways to stop the cold this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to keep you comfy without going over budget.
1. Get a New Your Air Filter
It’s the most economical solution that exists. It’s also the best approach to keep your furnace operating smoothly through the winter.
The model of filter and seasonal determinants affect how regularly you should replace it. Increased allergen counts, pets and house size might also influence its durability. Typically, inexpensive filters should be swapped monthly. Pleated models made with thicker material may last three months or longer.
“It’s really the big thing homeowners forget about,” 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 be filtered through it and actually heat the home. A clogged filter makes your heating system work harder.”
2. Schedule Regular HVAC Service
It’s normal to have a technician stop by your residence in the spring for AC service. That way, your unit is prepped for the heat.
But don’t overlook scheduling an appointment for furnace service before it gets cold too.
Among other procedures, an inspection usually includes:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and greasing internal parts
- Examining system shutdown and startup processes
Maintenance helps decrease the chance 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 stopped with normal maintenance.
3. Inspect Windows and Doors for Cracks
Windows and doors are a central entry point for chilly air. Sealing window and door frames is an inexpensive way to help keep chilly air out.
Here’s one check that Hughes recommends.
Shut a door. Do you notice any light? If so, it’s not entirely sealed. Modifications or weather-stripping may be needed.
If your residence has single-pane windows, you should think over a dual-pane upgrade.
A lot of homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic film.
It’s not a bad solution, but dual-pane windows provide superior insulation for keeping cold air outside.
When you switch to double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or higher.
4. Restrict Use of Vented Appliances
If you use the exhaust fan while cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it going for a long time.
The same holds true for the dryer. Don’t allow it to work after your clothes are done.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan pulls out heated air outside and pulls in cold air. Using these appliances continuously will make your heater to use more energy to manage the unnecessary cold.
5. Examine Your Residence’s Outer Edges for Holes
Evaluate your residence’s perimeter. This is the area that separates your house from the outside. If there’s a basement, look for blowing cobwebs or cold flowing in close by the sides.
Polyurethane products and other solutions can be bought to plug basement walls allowing air into your house. Another economical tip is to invest foam seals for fixture undersides, for example ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re fast to use and are awesome at stopping cold air in the winter.
6. Measure Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth confirming that you have thick enough insulation levels
Hughes recommends checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to locate the recommended R-value for your residence’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is based on the geographic area where you’re located.
7. Think About Our Advantage Program™
Winter may be rough for homeowners with old equipment.
If your furnace is going out or needing costly service, there’s a reasonable chance you’re not able to spend thousands on a new system.
That’s why we provide our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you bypass expensive fixes through a low monthly fee.
We’ll also install an energy-efficient system in your residence. Plus our pro specialists will repair and maintain it for you without any added out-of-pocket fee
Book an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Tulsa home more energy efficient with expert support from Service Experts.
For more details about our Advantage Program or to schedule an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 918-212-8927 or contact us online now.