As winter approaches in northeastern Illinois, it’s time to get your home ready for the cold months. If you find yourself facing high utility bills as part of staying warm, there are simple ways to increase energy efficiency and lower utility bills without sacrificing comfort.
Seal Leaks for Improved Energy Efficiency
Cold air infiltrates your home through cracks and holes in many places, particularly where plumbing, utilities and vents are routed through walls, the attic or flooring. Check around electrical outlets, telephone and cable lines, dryer vents, door and window frames and places where siding, brick or foundations meet. You can examine these areas yourself.
Weatherstripping and caulking are simple, low-cost ways to seal leaks. Weatherization can cut heating and cooling bills by more than 20 percent. Sealing air leaks not only saves energy. It helps create a more comfortable indoor environment.
Add Insulation
Insulating is an important aspect of building weatherization. The state of Illinois recommends specific R-values for attics, walls and flooring over unconditioned spaces. Check to see how much you already have. If the existing insulation is less than the recommended R-values, you can add more. Some types can be installed by a homeowner. However, some types require professional installation. Be sure that an adequate vapor barrier is in place so that the material does not become saturated with moisture and lose its insulating value.
Tune-Up the System
Keeping your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in good working order helps save energy and lower utility bills. Changing or cleaning the furnace filter every month keeps the unit working efficiently and reduces the likelihood of breakdowns. Seasonal tune-ups examine all elements of the HVAC system to make sure the unit is performing at peak efficiency. Preventive maintenance also prolongs the life of the unit.
Call Assurance Heating and Air Conditioning
We offer a full range of furnace and heating services, including furnace repair, tune-ups, new installations and 24-hour emergency service. Our annual maintenance plans include a tune-up in the fall for the furnace and one in the spring for the air conditioner.
We take pride in providing efficient service at reasonable prices. Call (847) 388-0316 to talk to one of our NATE-certified service technicians about how a fall tune-up can reduce energy costs and improve the efficiency of your HVAC system.
