7 Ideas to Lower Your Heating Bill in West Chester This Winter

Your home is likely among your most treasured investments. It helps you financially through boosting equity, and it’s an area to raise your family and develop moments you’ll remember, too. During the winter, you might also be experiencing growing utility expenses.

Consequently, finding tactics to lower your heating bill in West Chester without compromising comfort can seem challenging.

As far as energy efficiency, homes are similar to motor vehicles. Some require a lot of energy while others use it steadily. Regardless of what kind of house you have, there are ways to halt the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven ideas to keep your family warm without going over budget.

1. Change Your Air Filter

It’s the most economical suggestion that exists. It’s also the best approach to keep your heater functioning smoothly throughout the winter.

The type of filter and seasonal elements affect how regularly you should replace it. Increased allergen counts, pets and house size may also influence its life span. Typically, low-priced filters should be swapped monthly. Pleated styles made with denser material may work for three months or longer.

“It’s really the big thing homeowners forget about,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more overloaded 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 normal to have a tech visit your residence in the spring for AC service. That way, your unit is prepped for the summer.

But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.

Among other steps, an inspection usually involves:

• Examining thermostat settings
• Cleaning and greasing internal pieces
• Inspecting system shutdown and startup procedures

A tune-up helps lower the likelihood of handling an emergency repair in the middle of a blizzard. Some reports have found as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been prevented with routine maintenance.

3. Examine Windows and Doors for Cracks

Windows and doors are a central entry point for chilly air. Insulating window and door frames is an practical method to help keep chilly air where it belongs.

Here’s one test that Hughes recommends.

Latch a door. Can you see any light? If so, it’s not fully sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping may be needed.

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

Some 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 install double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.

4. Restrict Use of Vented Appliances

If you require the exhaust fan while cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it on for too long.

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

Any venting appliance or exhaust fan expels warm air outside and increases cold air. Operating these appliances longer than needed will require your heater to run more often to fight the avoidable cold.

5. Check Your House’s Perimeter for Cracks

Examine your residence’s building envelope. This is the area that separates your house from the elements. If your home has a basement, check for blowing cobwebs or cold flowing in close by the sides.

Polyurethane sealant and other options can be purchased to mend basement walls letting air into your residence. Another economical move is to add foam seals for fixture bases, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.

They’re fast to use and are fantastic at keeping the cold air out in the winter.

6. Evaluate Insulation Levels in Your Attic

It’s worth making sure that you have appropriate insulation levels

Hughes advises visiting the ENERGY STAR® zone map to locate the appropriate R-value for your residence’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is established on the geographic spot where you live.

7. Sign Up for Our Advantage Program™

Winter can be tough for homeowners with aging equipment.

If your furnace is failing or needing major repair, there’s a fair chance you’re not able to spend thousands on a modern system.

That’s why we have our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you bypass expensive fixes through a small monthly fee.

We’ll also hook up a high-efficiency system in your home. Plus our Expert specialists will overhaul and tune it up for you without any extra out-of-pocket expense

Schedule an Appointment with Us Right Away

Make your West Chester home more energy efficient with expert assistance from Service Experts.

For more information about our Advantage Program or to schedule an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 484-401-7577 or contact us online now.