Your home is likely one of your most valued investments. It assists you financially through increasing equity, and it’s an area to watch your family grow and create memories, too. When it’s cold, you may also be dealing with higher energy costs.
As a result, finding approaches to lower your heating bill in Calgary without compromising comfort can feel challenging.
When it comes to energy efficiency, houses are similar to vehicles. Some require a lot of energy while others sip it slowly. Regardless of what kind of residence you own, there are ways to block the cold this winter. The Experts are here with seven suggestions to keep your family warm without going over budget.
1. Replace Your Your Air Filter
It’s the most inexpensive suggestion there is. It’s also the best method to keep your heater operating optimally during the winter.
The type of filter and seasonal factors influence how regularly you should get a new one. Soaring allergen counts, pets and home size may also impact its life span. Generally, inexpensive filters should be changed every month. Pleated styles made with better material may work for three months or longer.
“It’s really the major thing folks forget about,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more full the filter is, the less air is able to go through it and actually add warmth to the residence. An overloaded filter makes your furnace work harder.”
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Service
It’s common to have a technician come to your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is ready for the summer.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other actions, an inspection commonly includes:
- Double-checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and oiling internal pieces
- Examining system shutdown and startup processes
Maintenance helps lower the possibility of dealing with an emergency repair in the middle of winter. Some reports have indicated as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been prevented with routine maintenance.
3. Check Windows and Doors for Cracks
Windows and doors are a primary entry point for frigid air. Sealing window and door frames is an inexpensive way to help keep frigid air outside.
Here’s one check that Hughes recommends.
Latch a door. Is any light visible? If so, it’s not totally sealed. Changes or weather-stripping may be needed.
If your home has single-pane windows, you should think about a dual-pane option.
Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic sheeting.
It’s not a bad move, but dual-pane windows provide enhanced insulation for keeping cold air where it belongs.
When you install double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or greater.
4. Regulate Use of Vented Appliances
If you need the exhaust fan while cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it going for too long.
The same holds true for the dryer. Don’t permit it to operate after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan expels hot air away from your home and increases cold air. Operating these appliances longer than needed will make your HVAC system to work harder to manage the avoidable coldness.
5. Look at Your House’s Edges for Holes
Check your residence’s perimeter. This is the area that separates your house from the outside. If there’s a basement, check for moving cobwebs or chilly air flowing in near the corners.
Polyurethane products and other things can be used to fix basement walls leaking air into your home. Another cost-effective idea is to invest foam seals for fixture undersides, for example ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re quick to put in and are fantastic at stopping cold air in the winter.
6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth making sure that you have adequate insulation levels
Hughes recommends visiting the ENERGY STAR® zone map to determine the suitable R-value for your home’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is established on the geographic spot where you’re located.
7. Think About Our Advantage Program™
Winter could be trying for homeowners with failing equipment.
If your furnace is not working right or in need of major service, there’s a good chance you’re not set to spend thousands on an updated system.
That’s why we offer our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you prevent pricey fixes through a small monthly fee.
We’ll also hook up a high-efficiency system in your residence. Plus our Expert specialists will overhaul and tune it up for you without any extra out-of-pocket fee
Request an Appointment with Us Today
Make your Calgary house more energy efficient with expert help from Service Experts.
For more details about our Advantage Program or to request an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 587-315-5271 or contact us online now.