7 Methods to Lower Your Heating Bill in San Antonio Throughout the Winter

Your house is probably among your most valued investments. It assists you financially through boosting equity, and it’s a place to enjoy with your family and create memorable moments, too. During the winter, you might also face increased heating expenses. 

Consequently, finding ways to lower your heating bill in San Antonio without giving up comfort can appear difficult. 

When it comes to energy efficiency, houses are like vehicles. Some consume a lot of energy while others drink it steadily. Regardless of what kind of home you live in, there are methods to block the discomfort this winter. The Experts are here with seven ideas to keep you toasty without going over budget. 

1. Replace Your Your Air Filter

It’s the most inexpensive suggestion out there. It’s also the best approach to keep your heater functioning optimally throughout the winter. 

The type of filter and seasonal determinants contribute to how frequently you should replace it. Soaring allergen counts, pets and house size may also impact its longevity. Generally, inexpensive filters should be replaced monthly. Pleated models made with thicker material could work for three months or longer. 

“It’s really the large thing people overlook,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more overloaded the filter is, the less air is able to move through it and actually warm the house. A clogged filter makes your heating system work harder.” 

2. Schedule Regular HVAC Service

It’s standard to have an Expert come to your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is prepared for the summer. 

But don’t neglect to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it gets cold too. 

Among other procedures, an inspection commonly involves: 

• Double-checking thermostat settings 
• Cleaning and oiling internal pieces 
• Taking a look at system shutdown and startup processes 

Maintenance helps decrease the possibility of dealing with an emergency repair in the middle of a blizzard. Some reports have found as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been avoided with routine maintenance. 

3. Inspect Windows and Doors for Cracks

Windows and doors are a leading entry point for chilly air. Caulking window and door frames is an inexpensive way to help keep frigid air where it belongs. 

Here’s one assessment that Hughes recommends. 

Latch a door. Can you see any light? If that’s the case, it’s not fully sealed. Changes or weather-stripping might be required. 

If your house has single-pane windows, you might want to think about a dual-pane improvement. 

Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic sheeting. 

It’s not a bad idea, but dual-pane windows provide superior insulation for keeping cool air where it belongs. 

When you switch to double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or greater. 

4. Restrict Use of Vented Appliances

If you need the exhaust fan while cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it going for an extended period of time. 

The same applies to for the dryer. Don’t let it to run after your clothes are ready. 

Any venting appliance or exhaust fan pulls out warm air away from your home and pulls in cold air. Running these appliances continuously will require your furnace to work harder to fight the preventable chill. 

5. Inspect Your House’s Perimeter for Cracks

Evaluate your house’s building envelope. This is the barrier that separates your home from the outdoors. If your home has a basement, look for blowing cobwebs or cold leaking in near the sides. 

Polyurethane sealant and other solutions can be bought to fix basement walls leaking air into your house. Another inexpensive move is to invest foam seals for fixture bases, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets. 

They’re simple to use and are great at blocking cold air in the winter. 

6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic 

It’s worth making sure that you have appropriate 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 location where your home is. 

7. Sign Up for Our Advantage Program™ 

Winter may be tough for homeowners with failing units. 

If your furnace is failing or needing major repair, there’s a good chance you’re not ready to spend thousands on an updated system. 

That’s why we have our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you prevent pricey fixes through a low monthly fee. 

We’ll also hook up a high-efficiency system in your house. Plus our pro techs will repair and tune it up for you without any added out-of-pocket fee 

Schedule an Appointment with Us Right Away 

Make your San Antonio house more energy efficient with pro assistance from Service Experts. 

For more details about our Advantage Program or to schedule an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 210-404-4233 or contact us online right away.