Your home is likely among your most treasured investments. It supports you financially through building equity, and it’s a space to enjoy with your family and create memories, too. This time of year, you might also be dealing with higher utility bills.
As a result, finding methods to lower your heating bill in Long Island without lowering comfort can feel difficult.
In regard to energy efficiency, houses resemble motor vehicles. Some consume a lot of energy while others drink it steadily. Regardless of what type of residence you have, there are steps to stop the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven ideas to help your family stay comfy without breaking the bank.
1. Change Your Air Filter
It’s the most economical suggestion out there. It’s also the best way to keep your furnace functioning smoothly during the winter.
The type of filter and seasonal determinants influence how frequently you should replace it. Increased allergen counts, pets and house size can also impact its durability. Typically, inexpensive filters should be replaced monthly. Pleated styles made with denser material may work for three months or longer.
“It’s really the large thing folks ignore,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more full the filter is, the less air is able to be filtered through it and actually add warmth to the residence. A dirty filter makes your HVAC system work harder.”
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Service
It’s standard to have a technician stop by your home in the spring for AC service. That way, your unit is ready for the summer.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it gets cold too.
Among other actions, an inspection commonly includes:
- Double-checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and oiling internal pieces
- Examining system shutdown and startup processes
Regular service helps lessen the probability of dealing with an emergency repair in the middle of winter. Some reports have found as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been prevented with normal service.
3. Check Windows and Doors for Cracks
Windows and doors are a main entry point for cold air. Sealing window and door frames is an practical way to help keep chilly air outside.
Here’s one check that Hughes advises.
Close a door. Can you see any light? If that’s the case, it’s not entirely sealed. Changes or weather-stripping may be necessary.
If your house has single-pane windows, you might want to consider a dual-pane option.
Some homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic wrap.
It’s not a bad option, but dual-pane windows provide superior insulation for keeping cool air outside.
When you add double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or greater.
4. Restrict Use of Vented Appliances
If you need the exhaust fan during cooking, Hughes suggests against leaving it on for an extended period of time.
The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t let it to operate after your clothes are done.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan forces out warm air outside and pulls in cold air. Using these appliances all the time will make your HVAC system to work harder to fight the preventable chill.
5. Inspect Your Residence’s Outer Edges for Holes
Check your house’s perimeter. This is the area that protects your home from the weather. If you have a basement, look for blowing cobwebs or cool air trickling in close by the sides.
Polyurethane sealant and other options can be used to mend basement walls leaking air into your home. Another affordable move is to invest foam seals for fixture bottoms, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re fast to put in and are fantastic at keeping the cold air out in the winter.
6. Evaluate Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth confirming that you have appropriate insulation levels
Hughes advises checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to determine the recommended R-value for your residence’s walls and attic space. This suggestion is formulated on the geographic location where you’re located.
7. Think About Our Advantage Program™
Winter may be trying for homeowners with inefficient units.
If your furnace is going out or in need of extensive fixes, there’s a fair 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 pricey fixes through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also put in a high-efficiency system in your house. Plus our Expert specialists will repair and tune it up for you without any additional out-of-pocket cost
Schedule an Appointment with Us Now
Make your Long Island house more energy efficient with expert assistance from Service Experts.
For more specifics about our Advantage Program or to schedule an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 631-406-9220 or contact us online right away.