Why Is My Heating Bill So High This Winter?
If you’re paying more to heat your Temple Hills, MD, home this winter, you’re not alone. With the price of nearly everything on the rise, the cost of winter comfort is up, too. The good news is that you still have the power to curb your heating bill.
Skipped or Delayed Maintenance
The best way to keep your heating costs to a minimum is by scheduling professional heat pump or furnace maintenance service before winter arrives. During these appointments, HVAC technicians test and calibrate thermostats, tighten loose components, and replace worn parts. They also clean heat pumps and furnaces, both inside and out. These measures improve airflow and support efficient heat transfer.
Limited Temperature Control
If you’re still using a standard thermostat to control your heat pump or furnace, you’re missing out on impressive energy savings. Both smart and programmable thermostats allow homeowners to establish multiple preset temperature changes. For instance, these devices can automatically lower their settings when you leave for work or go to sleep. They can also raise their settings just before you wake up or return.
When sitting in the office or nestled in bed, you don’t need your furnace running full blast. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), dropping a thermostat’s setting by 7 to 10 degrees at night or while away can cut heating costs by 10%.
Closed Air Vents
Check for closed air vents throughout your home. You might find that some residents have shut the vents in their immediate areas to redirect unwanted heat. Closing vents for customized air delivery isn’t good for furnaces or heat pumps. It creates increased static pressure within air ducts. This inhibits airflow and forces heating systems to work harder. As a result, furnaces and heat pumps use more energy and cost more to run. They also have a higher likelihood of short-cycling, overheating, and shutting down.
Keep all vents throughout your home in a fully or partially open position. A professional air balancing service will optimize your vents’ positions. To safely and efficiently customize air delivery, consider investing in an HVAC zoning system or smart air vents.
Old Heating Equipment
Furnaces, heat pumps, and other heating and cooling appliances are estimated to lose up to half of their efficiency after just 10 years of service. Worse still, efficiency losses are progressive for aging heating systems throughout the remainder of their service lives. This is a good reason to replace an old furnace or heat pump, even if it still turns on and runs. If your current heating equipment is 20 years old or older, expect your energy bills to continue rising until you replace it.
Leaky or Dirty Air Ducts
Studies performed at the University of Florida and reports from the DOE suggest that HVAC air ducts could lose up to 40% of a heat pump or furnace’s heating energy. You can limit these losses by having your air ducts professionally insulated and sealed. To prevent in-duct debris from inhibiting airflow, schedule professional duct cleaning every three to five years.
Like all HVAC equipment, air ducts become less efficient as they age. Most ductwork lasts 12 to 15 years. If you haven’t replaced your ducting in nearly two decades, doing so now could lower your energy bills.
An Outdated Heating Plan
In the right conditions, high-performing heat pumps can provide unmatched efficiency. At times, some of these appliances can produce four times as much heating and cooling energy as they consume in electricity. You can’t control the direction of natural gas and electricity prices. But you can control which fuel you use and how much you require.
Consider swapping your older gas furnace for a heat pump to enjoy year-round climate control from a single system. If you enjoy natural gas heating when local temperatures plummet, invest in a hybrid heating system instead. There are also many highly efficient options in geothermal heating to explore.
Tighten Your Home Envelope
If your home has multiple air leaks, much of the heated air that your furnace produces will seep outside. Upgrade your insulation, seal up cracks in building materials, and add weatherstripping to your windows and doors.
Insufficient Filter Changes
As per the DOE, maintaining a clean HVAC air filter can reduce your heater’s energy use by 10% to 15%. Inspect this component monthly and replace it every 30 to 90 days.
Optimize Your Home Heating Plan Now!
Since 1936, McCrea Heating & Air Conditioning has proudly served Temple Hills and the surrounding cities. We offer expert heating maintenance, repair, and replacement services. Locals can also turn to us for smart thermostats, geothermal heating solutions, commercial HVAC, and more.
We provide financing on approved credit for new heating installations. We also offer budget-friendly HVAC service contracts. For help getting your winter heating costs under control, contact McCrea Heating & Air Conditioning now!