Feel the chill creeping in and watching your heating bill skyrocket? You're not alone.
According to a report by the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association, the average family can expect to pay approximately 8% more for heating in 2025 compared to last year. This increase follows a substantial 35% rise since 2020, highlighting the growing financial burden of heating costs for many households.
At Just Better Home Services, we understand the frustration of high heating bills. As HVAC experts, we've seen it all and we are here to help! In this article, we cover the most common reasons your heating bill is high, offer practical tips to lower your energy consumption, and discuss common repairs that can help.
In This Article:
Why Are Your Heating Costs So High?: The Most Common Culprits
Soaring heating bills can often be attributed to a combination of factors. Here are some of the most common culprits:
1. Inefficient Heating Systems:
Outdated or poorly maintained heating systems, such as furnaces or heat pumps, operate less efficiently, consuming more energy to produce the same amount of heat.
2. Poor Insulation:
Inadequate insulation in attics, walls, and foundations allows heat to escape, forcing your heating system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.
3. Unsealed Ducts:
Leaky ductwork in your home can waste a significant amount of heated air, leading to higher energy bills and reduced system efficiency.
4. Air Leaks:
Drafty windows, doors, and gaps around pipes and electrical outlets create significant heat loss, increasing energy consumption.
5. Dirty Air Filters:
Clogged air filters restrict airflow, forcing your heating system to work harder, increasing energy consumption and potentially shortening the lifespan of your equipment.
6. Thermostat Issues:
Incorrectly programmed thermostat parameters or malfunctioning thermostats can lead to inconsistent heating and unnecessary energy consumption.
7. Auxiliary/Emergency Heat (for Heat Pumps):
Heat pumps are highly efficient in moderate temperatures. However, their efficiency can decline significantly in extremely cold weather. Many heat pumps have an "Auxiliary Heat" or "Emergency Heat" setting.
Generally, when temperatures are below 35°F, the auxiliary heat engages an electric heating element as a backup source of heat to keep your home warm.
During cold snaps, frequent need of auxiliary heat can significantly increase your energy bills.
We cover more about Auxiliary Heat later in this article.
How to Reduce Your Heating Costs: Practical Tips
Implementing a few simple strategies can make a significant difference in your heating costs. Here are some practical tips to help you save:
1. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings:
Unsurprisingly, lowering your thermostat is one of the best ways to reduce your bill, since your system is not working as much. If you are trying to save money, keep an eye on your thermostat
Reduce your thermostat at night or when you are away from home.
Consider investing in a programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat that can automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule.
2. Improve Insulation:
Add insulation to your attic and walls to reduce heat loss.
Seal any air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings with weatherstripping and caulk.
3. Reduce Drafts:
Reducing drafts can help stop cold air from entering your home and heat from escaping.
Identify and seal drafts around windows, doors, and other openings.
Consider a Window Insulating Kit, especially for windows you rarely open.
Use curtains to help insulate windows. Open them during the day to allow sunlight to naturally warm your home, and close them at night to trap heat inside.
Use draft stoppers under doors and close off unused rooms with temporary barriers.
4. Maintain Your Heating System:
Regular maintenance of your heating system can help maintain efficiency and catch small problems before they turn into big ones!
Schedule regular maintenance checks for your furnace or heat pump to ensure optimal efficiency.
Change your air filters regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
5. Reduce Use of Auxiliary/Emergency Heat (for Heat Pumps):
While this feature is great for keeping your home warm during cold snaps, frequent use of auxiliary heat can significantly increase your energy bills.
Understand Your Auxiliary/Emergency Heat
Heat pumps operate most efficiently in moderate temperatures. However, their efficiency can decrease significantly in extremely cold weather. To compensate for this, many heat pumps are equipped with an "Auxiliary Heat" or "Emergency Heat" setting.
Typically, when outdoor temperatures drop below 35°F, the heat pump automatically activates the auxiliary heat as supplemental back up heat to the heat pump, which utilizes an electric heating element as a backup source of heat to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
While this feature provides a reliable source of warmth during cold snaps, frequent use of auxiliary heat can significantly increase energy consumption and, consequently, your energy bills. This is because electric heating elements are generally less efficient than the primary heat pump operation.
In most cases, it's more cost-effective to utilize alternative methods of staying warm:
Layer Up: Lower the thermostat to reduce the use of auxiliary heat and layer up with warm clothing instead.
Utilize space heaters strategically: While space heaters can be energy-intensive, if used in only occupied areas, they can be more efficient than running the emergency heat for the entire house.
However, it's crucial to use space heaters safely:
Choose a space heater with safety features: Look for models with tip-over protection and overheat protection.
Never leave a space heater unattended: Always turn off and unplug the space heater when leaving the room or going to bed.
Keep space heaters away from flammable materials: Place them on a stable, non-flammable surface and keep them away from curtains, furniture, and other combustibles.
By understanding the limitations of auxiliary heat and exploring alternative options, you can optimize your heat pump's performance and minimize your energy costs during colder months.
Most Common Heating System Issues
Even with proper maintenance, heating systems can experience malfunctions. If you are noticing an abnormally high bill, your heating system may need to be repaired. Here are some of the most common heating repairs and their symptoms:
Common Heat Pump Problems:
Refrigerant Leaks: Low refrigerant levels can significantly impact the heat pump's ability to transfer heat. Symptoms could include:
Reduced cooling or heating capacity.
Unusual noises coming from the heat pump.
Ice buildup on the outdoor unit.
Compressor Issues: Problems with the compressor can prevent the heat pump from functioning properly. Symptoms could include:
Unusual noises coming from the compressor, such as clicking, grinding, or humming.
Reduced cooling or heating capacity.
Frequent system shutdowns.
Defrost Cycle Issues: The heat pump may have difficulty defrosting the outdoor coil in cold weather. Symptoms could include:
Ice buildup on the outdoor unit during heating mode.
Reduced heating capacity.
Frequent system shutdowns.
Electrical Problems: Issues with electrical components, such as the control board or wiring, can cause malfunctions. Symptoms could include:
System fails to turn on.
Erratic operation.
Unusual noises coming from the electrical components.
Common Furnace Problems:
Pilot Light Issues: Difficulty igniting or maintaining the pilot light. Symptoms could include:
Difficulty igniting the pilot light.
Frequent pilot light extinguishments.
No heat output from the furnace.
Thermostat Malfunction: Improper temperature regulation or inaccurate readings. Symptoms could include:
Furnace cycles on and off erratically.
Furnace fails to turn on when the thermostat calls for heat.
Inaccurate temperature readings.
Blower Motor Problems: Issues with the motor that circulates warm air throughout the home. Symptoms could include:
Weak or no airflow from the vents.
Unusual noises coming from the furnace, such as grinding or squealing.
Furnace runs but does not produce heat.
Heat Exchanger Cracks: Cracks in the heat exchanger can release dangerous gases into the home. Symptoms could include:
Gas odor in the home.
Unusual noises coming from the furnace.
Reduced heat output.
Blocked Air Filters: Restricted airflow due to clogged filters can strain the system and reduce efficiency. Symptoms could include:
Reduced airflow from the vents.
Furnace runs continuously but does not provide adequate heat.
Unusual noises coming from the furnace.
If you suspect any issues with your heating system, it's crucial to contact a qualified HVAC technician for prompt diagnosis and repair. Servicing your heating system can help improve efficiency, reduce costs, and help your system last longer!
How We Can Help:
At Just Better Home Services, we understand the frustration of dealing with heating system issues, especially during the coldest months. Our team of experienced and certified technicians are equipped to diagnose and repair a wide range of heating issues, from minor problems to major breakdowns. We prioritize customer satisfaction and strive to provide prompt, reliable, and affordable heating repair services.
Additionally, we offer a Home Protection Plan that includes both heating and cooling tune-ups to help ensure your system runs efficiently year-round. With regular maintenance, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your HVAC system
Contact us today to schedule a service appointment and experience the Just Better Home Services difference!
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