As the cold winter months approach, you rely on your home’s heating system to keep you and your family comfortable. Unfortunately, heating bills can be one of the more expensive utility costs for a home. If you have noticed that your bill is higher than your neighbors’ bills with similar homes or that it has been steadily increasing for reasons other than seasonal temperature drops, it may be due to another issue. Here are some troubleshooting tips for finding the cause of your high prices.
Blocked Vents
When you first start to notice that your heating bills are going up more than you’re used to, it’s a good idea to take a look at the vents throughout your home. If you place items in front of these vents, it can block airflow. When this happens, it will cause your heating system to work longer to get your home to match the setting on your thermostat. In some cases, you may be able to rearrange furniture to fix the problem. If your rooms are small and furniture placement is limited, you may choose to purchase and install diverters designed to direct air out from under sofas and beds.
Inefficient Heating Unit
Another reason that your heating bill may be going up is that your furnace isn’t working as efficiently as it can. This could be the result of a dirty air filter in the intake. It’s best to check your system’s air filter and change it if need be. It may also be due to something small that can be addressed during an annual maintenance visit. The best way to troubleshoot an inefficient furnace is to work with a licensed HVAC technician to perform service on your system so that it operates more efficiently.
Leaky Ductwork
Ductwork runs throughout the walls and floors of your home. Everywhere there is a joint between the ducting, there’s a possibility of a leak occurring. Over time, these joints can pull apart and allow for air to escape from your ducts. The insulation may also detach in unheated spaces like crawl spaces and attics. This translates to less hot air reaching all the rooms throughout your home. Having an HVAC professional come in every 5 to 10 years to inspect your ductwork for leaks can help to identify this issue before it becomes too costly.
Lack of Insulation
Insulation in your exterior walls plays a big role in the ability of your home to hold heat. Whenever you’re lacking the proper amount of insulation or your insulation has become damaged over time. It can allow your precious heat to escape outdoors. This can cause your furnace to have to run constantly to produce enough warm air to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. It’s a good idea to call in a professional to assess the state of your insulation and determine if you need to beef it up. Don’t forget to check the insulative rating of older windows, especially those with aluminum frames.
Drafts
There are various points throughout your home that may develop drafts that allow the cold air to seep inside. When this happens, your furnace has to constantly compete with trying to warm up that cold air, which makes your heating bills skyrocket. It’s a good idea to check your windows and doors to see if there are drafts around them. One easy way to do this is to light a candle and slowly move it around the perimeter of each door and window. The candle will flicker to identify drafts. If you find air leaks, you’ll want to use weather stripping and caulking.
Ineffective Thermostat
Your thermostat is the brains of your overall heating system. It’s responsible for telling your furnace when to run and when to stop. If your thermostat is out of calibration, your heater could continue to run after your home is already up to the desired temperature. Manual thermostats are also less efficient than smart or programmable thermostats. If you have a manual thermostat, consider an upgrade.
Old Furnace
Another reason that your heating bills may be going up when you’re not experiencing any of these other issues is that your furnace is reaching the end of its lifespan. As a furnace reaches this point, its internal components aren’t going to work as efficiently as you’re used to. Work with a professional to decide if you want to replace your furnace with a similar system or upgrade to something more efficient, like a heat pump.
Let the Pros Help Today
If you’re having trouble with your heating system, then it’s time to give Weather Masters Corp. a call today. We can help with all your heating, cooling, indoor air quality, commercial, heat pump, ductwork, water heater, and smart thermostat needs. Contact our office today and we’ll get one of our highly experienced technicians on the way to your home.
