Your house is probably one of your most precious investments. It supports you financially through increasing equity, and it’s a space to raise your family and develop memories, too. During the winter, you could also be dealing with increased energy expenses.
As a consequence, finding ways to lower your heating bill in San Antonio without compromising comfort can appear harder than it needs to be.
As far as energy efficiency, residences are like vehicles. Some consume a lot of energy while others sip it gradually. Regardless of what sort of house you live in, there are methods to halt the cold this winter. The Experts are here with seven ideas to keep your family comfortable without going over budget.
- Get a New Your Air Filter
It’s the most inexpensive recommendation there is. It’s also the best approach to keep your heating system functioning optimally during the winter.
The model of filter and seasonal determinants influence how often you should replace it. High allergen counts, pets and residence size may also influence its longevity. Typically, inexpensive filters should be changed every month. Pleated styles made with thicker material might last three months or longer.
“It’s really the large 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 go through it and actually add warmth to the house. An overloaded filter makes your furnace work harder.”
- Schedule Annual HVAC Service
It’s standard to have an Expert stop by your home in the spring for AC service. That way, your air conditioner is ready for the heat.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before the winter too.
Among other steps, an inspection typically covers:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and lubricating internal pieces
- Examining system shutdown and startup procedures
A tune-up helps decrease the likelihood of facing an emergency repair in the middle of a blizzard. Some reports have indicated as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been prevented with regular maintenance.
- Examine Windows and Doors for Leaks
Windows and doors are a leading entry point for chilly air. Caulking window and door frames is an economical way to help keep cold air where it belongs.
Here’s one test that Hughes suggests.
Latch a door. Is any light visible? If so, it’s not fully sealed. Modifications or weather-stripping could be necessary.
If your house has single-pane windows, you might want to think over a dual-pane upgrade.
Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic wrap.
It’s not a bad move, but dual-pane windows provide much better insulation for keeping chilled air outside.
When you install double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.
- Regulate Use of Vented Appliances
If you use the exhaust fan throughout cooking, Hughes suggests against leaving it going for a long time.
The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t permit it to run after your clothes are ready.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan pulls out hot air away from your home and increases cold air. Running these appliances all the time will require your furnace to work harder to manage the preventable coldness.
- Look at Your Home’s Edges for Leaks
Evaluate your home’s building envelope. This is the area that shields your residence from the outdoors. If you have a basement, look for blowing cobwebs or chilly air trickling in around the corners.
Polyurethane sealers and other solutions can be bought to plug basement walls allowing air into your residence. Another cost-effective idea is to add foam seals for fixture bottoms, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re quick to install and are great at blocking cold air in the winter.
- Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth confirming that you have appropriate insulation levels in your attic as well. Nine in 10 U.S. homes have insufficient insulation, according to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association.
Hughes recommends checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to locate the suitable R-value for your home’s walls and attic space. This value is established on the geographic location where you live.
- Consider Our Advantage Program™
Winter could be tough for homeowners with inefficient equipment.
If your furnace is malfunctioning or requiring expensive fixes, there’s a reasonable chance you’re not prepared to spend thousands on an updated system.
That’s why we have our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you avoid costly service calls through a low monthly fee.
We’ll also install a high-efficiency system in your house. Plus our professional specialists will overhaul and service it for you without any extra out-of-pocket cost
Schedule an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your San Antonio house more energy efficient with Expert support from Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air.
For more specifics about our Advantage Program or to book an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 210-404-4233 or contact us online right away.