Your home is probably among your most cherished investments. It assists you financially through boosting equity, and it’s a space to watch your family grow and create memorable moments, too. This time of year, you could also be experiencing increased utility costs.
As a result, finding methods to lower your heating bill in Canada without giving up comfort can feel challenging.
As far as energy efficiency, homes are like vehicles. Some guzzle energy while others sip it gradually. Regardless of what sort of house you own, there are steps to end the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven suggestions to keep you warm without going over budget.
1. Change Your Air Filter
It’s the most economical recommendation that exists. It’s also the best way to keep your furnace running smoothly through the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal factors influence how frequently you should replace it. Soaring allergen counts, pets and residence size might also impact its longevity. Typically, low-priced filters should be swapped every month. Pleated models made with higher-quality material might 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 be filtered through it and actually heat the home. A clogged filter makes your HVAC system work harder.”
2. Schedule Annual HVAC Service
It’s standard to have a technician come by your home in the spring for AC service. That way, your air conditioner is prepared for the heat.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before the winter too.
Among other procedures, an inspection commonly covers:
- Checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and lubricating internal parts
- Taking a look at system shutdown and startup processes
A tune-up helps decrease the odds of dealing with an emergency repair in the middle of winter. Some reports have shown as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been avoided with routine tune-ups.
3. Examine Windows and Doors for Cracks
Windows and doors are a central entry point for chilly air. Sealing window and door frames is an cost effective approach to help keep frigid air where it belongs.
Here’s one test that Hughes suggests.
Close a door. Do you notice any light? If so, it’s not totally sealed. Modifications or weather-stripping could be needed.
If you have single-pane windows, you should think about a dual-pane option.
Some homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic wrap.
It’s not a bad move, but dual-pane windows provide superior insulation for keeping cool air out.
When you install double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or higher.
4. Regulate Use of Vented Appliances
If you require the exhaust fan throughout cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it on for too long.
The same applies to for the dryer. Don’t permit it to operate after your clothes are done.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan expels heated air outside and increases cold air. Running these appliances all the time will force your heater to run more often to take care of the preventable cold.
5. Check Your Residence’s Perimeter for Cracks
Examine your home’s perimeter. This is the barrier that separates your house from the outdoors. If your home has a basement, be on the lookout for blowing cobwebs or cold coming in close by the sides.
Polyurethane sealant and other options can be bought to mend basement walls letting air into your home. Another inexpensive tip is to get foam seals for fixture bases, like ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re quick to install and are great at blocking cold air in the winter.
6. Evaluate Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth confirming that you have appropriate insulation levels
Hughes suggests visiting the ENERGY STAR® zone map to find the appropriate R-value for your home’s walls and attic space. This suggestion is established on the geographic area where you’re located.
7. Think About Our Advantage Program™
Winter might be tough for homeowners with underperforming units.
If your furnace is going out or needing costly repair, there’s a fair chance you’re not able to spend thousands on a modern system.
That’s why we offer our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you prevent expensive fixes through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also put in a high-efficiency system in your house. Plus our Expert technicians will repair and tune it up for you without any extra out-of-pocket expense
Schedule an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Canada house more energy efficient with professional assistance from Service Experts.
For more details about our Advantage Program or to book an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 866-397-3787 or contact us online right away.