Your home is usually at the top of the list of your most treasured investments. It helps you financially through building equity, and it’s a place to enjoy with your family and develop memories, too. During the winter, you might also be dealing with increased energy expenses.
As a result, finding tactics to lower your heating bill in Knoxville without giving up comfort can appear difficult.
In regard to energy efficiency, houses resemble vehicles. Some guzzle energy while others drink it gradually. Regardless of what kind of residence you live in, there are steps to stop the discomfort this winter. The Experts are here with seven suggestions to keep you warm without breaking the bank.
1. Replace Your Your Air Filter
It’s the most economical recommendation there is. It’s also the best way to keep your heater running smoothly through the winter.
The type of filter and seasonal determinants contribute to how frequently you should replace it. Soaring allergen counts, pets and house size might also affect its durability. Typically, cheap filters should be swapped every month. Pleated models made with thicker material could work for three months or longer.
“It’s really the large thing homeowners ignore,” 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 be filtered through it and actually heat the residence. An overloaded filter makes your heating system work harder.”
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Service
It’s common to have an Expert come to your residence 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 it gets cold too.
Among other actions, an inspection commonly involves:
- Checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and greasing internal parts
- Inspecting system shutdown and startup controls
Regular service helps lessen the chance of facing an emergency repair in the middle of a cold snap. Some reports have shown as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been avoided with routine service.
3. Examine Windows and Doors for Cracks
Windows and doors are a primary entry point for frigid air. Insulating window and door frames is an economical approach to help keep cold air where it belongs.
Here’s one test that Hughes suggests.
Latch a door. Do you notice any light? If that’s the case, it’s not fully sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping may be needed.
If your house has single-pane windows, you might want to think about a dual-pane option.
Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic wrap.
It’s not a bad move, but dual-pane windows provide enhanced insulation for keeping cold air out.
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 throughout cooking, Hughes advises against leaving it running for too long.
The same holds true for the dryer. Don’t let it to operate after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan expels heated air away from your home and increases cold air. Running these appliances longer than needed will require your heater to use more energy to battle the preventable coldness.
5. Look at Your Home’s Edges for Leaks
Examine your home’s building envelope. This is the area that protects your home from the elements. If there’s a basement, watch for blowing cobwebs or cool air flowing in near the sides.
Polyurethane sealant and other options can be used to mend basement walls leaking air into your residence. Another affordable idea is to get foam seals for fixture bottoms, for example ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re easy to put in and are awesome at blocking cold air in the winter.
6. Evaluate Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth ensuring that you have thick enough insulation levels
Hughes suggests looking at the ENERGY STAR® zone map to find the recommended R-value for your house’s walls and attic space. This value is established on the geographic spot where you’re located.
7. Think About Our Advantage Program™
Winter may be tough for homeowners with aging units.
If your furnace is not working right or in need of extensive service, there’s a good chance you’re not set to spend thousands on a modern system.
That’s why we provide our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you avoid costly repairs through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also hook up an energy-saving system in your house. Plus our pro specialists will overhaul and maintain it for you without any added out-of-pocket fee
Schedule an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Knoxville home more energy efficient with expert help from Service Experts.
For more specifics about our Advantage Program or to book an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 865-229-6176 or contact us online today.