A harsh winter is made worse when you receive a high heating bill and your home is not well insulated. Even though seasonal increases are inevitable, sometimes they are more than expected. You can reduce the financial impact of the cold season on your monthly budget by diagnosing and fixing your heating problems.
Weak Insulation
The attic or walls of your home may not have adequate insulation, which makes it more difficult to keep heat in. If you’re experiencing fluctuating heating or higher heating bills, you should check your insulation.
How to Fix It
When you repair your home’s siding, think about adding insulation. If your insulation has become moldy, pest-infested, or outdated, you will need to replace it completely. Consider double-paned windows and weather stripping for added insulation.
Air Leaks
If your energy bill continues to rise even though your HVAC and insulation are in good working order, you may need to air seal your home. Leaky ductwork in your HVAC system allows heated or cooled air to escape into unoccupied spaces, such as the attic or crawlspace. Air leaks account for up to 40% of the energy required to heat and cool a home. This amounts to a 10% increase in energy costs.
How to Fix It
Professionals should be called in to repair leaks. In addition, leaky ductwork damages HVAC systems, clogs air filters, and degrades indoor air quality. If you cannot diagnose these problems on your own, consult a professional.
Inefficient Furnace
Look at the manual for your gas furnace to confirm the age of the system since the average lifespan of a home furnace is 25 years. If the unit is aging, it’s time for a replacement. While replacing a furnace has a large upfront cost, replacing a high-efficiency gas furnace that utilizes an electronic ignition system will consume less energy and help you save money on your bill.
As the average lifespan of a gas furnace is 25 years, check your furnace’s manual to determine its age. If the unit is past its prime, it’s time to replace it. Replace your old furnace with a high-efficiency gas furnace that uses electronic ignition to use less energy and save money on your utility bills.
How To Fix It
Your furnace will last longer with routine maintenance. A HVAC specialist can find worn-out parts, carbon monoxide leaks, and corrosion. Routine maintenance keeps your heating system running efficiently and keeps your heating costs consistent.
Filter Change
The more dirt and dust clog your house’s air filter, the longer it will take your furnace to disperse warm air throughout the house. Additionally, a clogged air filter may reduce the furnace’s airflow. Your furnace will have to run longer to compensate for the low air pressure and attain the ideal temperature.
How to fix it
You can save money on your heating bills by changing your HVAC system’s dirty air filters monthly. Changing your air filters every 30-45 days is a good practice, but you should check them frequently to ensure they remain clean. To ensure the system is operating correctly, it is also a good idea to have a local HVAC specialist examine it.
Improper Ceiling Fan Use
Having high ceilings in your living spaces can cause warm air to rise to the top, increasing your heating expenses. When it’s cold outside, use your ceiling fans to help spread warm air so you can save money on your heating costs. Find the switch at the base of the fan that reverses the direction of the blades to make them turn clockwise.
How to fix it
The warm air should go upward as the blades rotate clockwise and then go downward the walls and around the space. Stand below the fan and observe if the blades are spinning the right way. You should not feel any air blowing on you.
Use of Portable Heaters
A space heater can be very helpful for keeping warm in a small space, but it comes with some risks as well. Any type of heater is costly as electric ones increase your electric bills while gas-powered space heaters may be more expensive. If one is knocked over by accident, it might cause a fire and result in severe injuries.
How to fix it
Programmable thermostats make temperature adjustment easier and more accessible. You can even program the device to turn on your gas furnace while you’re sleeping if you use the gas furnace frequently at home. A thermostat set to 8 or 10 degrees Fahrenheit for an 8-hour period can also save you 10% on your electricity bills.
Get Your Heating Bill Under Control This Winter
You can save money on heating costs by keeping your home warm while keeping the cold out. A regular furnace maintenance schedule and enough insulation can help keep your home warm. Set the temperature with a programmable thermostat, and you will see the savings in your next heating bills.
