7 Methods to Lower Your Heating Bill in Portland Throughout the Winter

Your home is usually among your most valued investments. It supports you financially through boosting equity, and it’s a space to watch your family grow and make moments you’ll remember, too. When it’s cold, you may also be experiencing increased gas expenses. 

As a result, finding techniques to lower your heating bill in the U.S. without lowering comfort can appear challenging. 

In regard to energy efficiency, houses are similar to cars. Some require a lot of energy while others sip it slowly. Regardless of what type of house you have, there are methods to end the discomfort this winter. The Experts are here with seven ideas to keep your family warm without breaking the bank. 

1. Get a New Your Air Filter

It’s the most economical solution there is. It’s also the best way to keep your heating system operating properly through the winter. 

The model of filter and seasonal elements influence how frequently you should replace it. Increased allergen counts, pets and residence size might also influence its durability. In most cases, cheap filters should be replaced each month. Pleated ones made with thicker material may work for three months or longer. 

“It’s really the large thing homeowners overlook,” 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 heat the residence. A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder.” 

2. Schedule Regular HVAC Service

It’s common to have a technician come by your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your air conditioner is prepped for the summer. 

But don’t overlook scheduling an appointment for furnace service before it snows too. 

Among other procedures, an inspection commonly includes: 

• Checking thermostat settings 
• Cleaning and greasing internal parts 
• Inspecting system shutdown and startup processes 

Maintenance helps lower the odds of handling an emergency repair in the middle of a cold snap. Some reports have indicated as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been avoided with standard service. 

3. Inspect Windows and Doors for Cracks

Windows and doors are a primary entry point for frigid air. Insulating window and door frames is an practical method to help keep chilly air outside. 

Here’s one test that Hughes recommends. 

Shut a door. Do you notice any light? If so, it’s not totally sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping could be needed. 

If your residence has single-pane windows, you should think over a dual-pane improvement. 

A lot of homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic film. 

It’s not a bad solution, but dual-pane windows provide much better insulation for keeping cold 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 during cooking, Hughes advises against leaving it running for an extended period of time. 

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

Any venting appliance or exhaust fan expels hot air out and pulls in cold air. Using these appliances continuously will make your heater to run more often to handle the avoidable chill. 

5. Check Your Residence’s Perimeter for Cracks

Inspect your residence’s building envelope. This is the boundary that shields your house from the outside. If there’s a basement, check for moving cobwebs or cold trickling in around the sides. 

Polyurethane sealers and other options can be used to fix basement walls leaking air into your residence. Another economical idea is to add foam seals for fixture undersides, like ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets. 

They’re quick to use and are fantastic at blocking cold air in the winter. 

6. Evaluate Insulation Levels in Your Attic 

It’s worth ensuring that you have adequate insulation levels 

Hughes suggests checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to locate the suitable R-value for your house’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is formulated on the geographic spot where you live. 

7. Consider Our Advantage Program™ 

Winter could be trying for homeowners with inefficient systems. 

If your furnace is going out or requiring major service, there’s a good chance you’re not ready to spend thousands on an updated system. 

That’s why we provide our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you avoid expensive service calls through a modest monthly fee. 

We’ll also put in an energy-saving system in your home. Plus our pro technicians will repair and service it for you without any added out-of-pocket expense 

Schedule an Appointment with Us Now 

Make your the U.S. home more energy efficient with pro 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 today.