Your home is usually at the top of the list of your most treasured investments. It helps you financially through increasing equity, and it’s an area to watch your family grow and create moments you’ll remember, too. When it’s cold, you could also face increased energy costs.
As a consequence, finding techniques to lower your heating bill in Calgary without lowering comfort can feel difficult.
As far as energy efficiency, residences are like cars. Some require a lot of energy while others sip it steadily. Regardless of what type of house you have, there are methods to stop the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven suggestions to help your family stay toasty without breaking the bank.
1. Get a New Your Air Filter
It’s the most inexpensive solution that exists. It’s also the best approach to keep your heater running optimally during the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal elements influence how frequently you should replace it. Soaring allergen counts, pets and home size may also impact its durability. In most cases, fiberglass filters should be changed monthly. Pleated styles made with thicker material might work for three months or longer.
“It’s really the big thing folks 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 move through it and actually add warmth to the home. A dirty filter makes your heating system work harder.”
2. Schedule Annual HVAC Service
It’s normal to have an Expert stop by your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your air conditioner is ready for the warm weather.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other actions, an inspection commonly involves:
- Double-checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and lubricating internal parts
- Examining system shutdown and startup controls
Regular service helps decrease the possibility of facing an emergency repair in the middle of a cold snap. Some reports have found as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been avoided with normal tune-ups.
3. Examine Windows and Doors for Holes
Windows and doors are a leading entry point for frigid air. Insulating window and door frames is an economical way to help keep chilly air outside.
Here’s one test that Hughes advises.
Latch a door. Is any light visible? If that’s the case, it’s not fully sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping might be needed.
If you have single-pane windows, you may want to consider a dual-pane improvement.
Some homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic film.
It’s not a bad solution, but dual-pane windows provide enhanced insulation for keeping chilled air where it belongs.
When you add double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or higher.
4. Regulate Use of Vented Appliances
If you use the exhaust fan during cooking, Hughes suggests against leaving it on for too long.
The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t let it to work after your clothes are ready.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan expels heated air away from your home and increases cold air. Using these appliances longer than needed will require your furnace to use more energy to battle the avoidable coldness.
5. Look at Your Home’s Perimeter for Holes
Evaluate your residence’s perimeter. This is the area that protects your house from the elements. If you have a basement, be on the lookout for fluttering cobwebs or chilly air flowing in close by the edges.
Polyurethane products and other options can be used to plug basement walls allowing air into your residence. Another economical idea is to invest foam seals for fixture bottoms, for example ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re easy to put in and are fantastic at blocking cold air in the winter.
6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth confirming that you have thick enough insulation levels
Hughes recommends visiting the ENERGY STAR® zone map to determine the recommended R-value for your residence’s walls and attic space. This suggestion is based on the geographic spot where you live.
7. Think About Our Advantage Program™
Winter might be tough for homeowners with inefficient equipment.
If your furnace is not working right or in need of expensive repair, there’s a reasonable chance you’re not able to spend thousands on a new system.
That’s why we offer our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you bypass pricey repairs through a small monthly fee.
We’ll also install an energy-efficient system in your residence. Plus our Expert technicians will repair and maintain it for you without any additional out-of-pocket fee
Request an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Calgary home more energy efficient with expert support from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to schedule an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 403-279-5760 or contact us online now.