Your house is usually among your most precious investments. It assists you financially through improving equity, and it’s a place to raise your family and make memories, too. When it’s cold, you could also be dealing with rising heating costs.
As a consequence, finding methods to lower your heating bill in Winnipeg without compromising comfort can feel harder than it needs to be.
As far as energy efficiency, homes are similar to vehicles. Some consume a lot of energy while others use it slowly. Regardless of what sort of residence you have, there are ways to stop the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to help your family stay warm without going over budget.
1. Change Your Air Filter
It’s the most cost-effective suggestion there is. It’s also the best way to keep your heater operating properly through the winter.
The type of filter and seasonal elements contribute to how regularly you should get a new one. Soaring allergen counts, pets and home size can also affect its longevity. Typically, inexpensive filters should be changed every month. Pleated models made with better material could 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 add warmth to the home. An overloaded filter makes your HVAC system work harder.”
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Service
It’s normal to have a tech come by your home in the spring for AC service. That way, your unit is ready for the warm weather.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before the winter too.
Among other procedures, an inspection typically involves:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and lubricating internal components
- Inspecting system shutdown and startup processes
Regular service helps lessen the possibility of facing an emergency repair in the middle of a cold snap. Some reports have shown as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been stopped with regular maintenance.
3. Examine Windows and Doors for Leaks
Windows and doors are a main entry point for chilly air. Sealing window and door frames is an inexpensive approach to help keep chilly air where it belongs.
Here’s one assessment that Hughes advises.
Shut a door. Is any light visible? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not entirely sealed. Modifications or weather-stripping might be needed.
If your residence has single-pane windows, you may want to think over a dual-pane option.
A lot of homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic wrap.
It’s not a bad solution, but dual-pane windows provide superior insulation for keeping chilled air outside.
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 throughout cooking, Hughes advises against leaving it on for too long.
The same holds true for the dryer. Don’t let it to run after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan forces out hot air out and adds cold air. Operating these appliances all the time will make your HVAC system to use more energy to battle the avoidable chill.
5. Examine Your Home’s Edges for Cracks
Check your home’s perimeter. This is the barrier that shields your residence from the weather. If you have a basement, look for moving cobwebs or cold flowing in near the sides.
Polyurethane products and other solutions can be purchased to plug basement walls allowing air into your house. Another inexpensive move is to get foam seals for fixture bottoms, like ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re simple to install and are awesome at keeping the cold air out in the winter.
6. Evaluate Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth making sure that you have thick enough insulation levels
Hughes advises checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to locate the recommended R-value for your house’s walls and attic space. This value is established on the geographic spot where your home is.
7. Sign Up for Our Advantage Program™
Winter might be tough for homeowners with failing systems.
If your furnace is going out or needing extensive fixes, there’s a decent chance you’re not prepared to spend thousands on a modern system.
That’s why we have our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you avoid costly fixes through a low monthly fee.
We’ll also hook up an energy-efficient system in your residence. Plus our pro techs will fix and service it for you without any added out-of-pocket cost
Schedule an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Winnipeg residence more energy efficient with professional help from Service Experts.
For more specifics about our Advantage Program or to schedule an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 204-800-0613 or contact us online right away.