There is nothing better than feeling toasty and warm in the winter. It is expected that energy bills will go up in the winter. But what happens when you receive your notice and realize they are much higher than expected? There are many factors that can cause your heating bill to be higher than usual. Knowing what they are and how to manage it can help you save more in the colder months.
Poor Insulation
If your home’s insulation is weak or damaged, it will have a hard time retaining the heat that your furnace is producing. You may notice that your heater is running at all hours of the day, working hard to pump out warm air to keep up with the loss. Get an analysis of your home done to make sure the insulation is still holding up. If you find that it is water damaged or infested with pests, you’ll need to replace it completely to get your home back in stable shape.
Inefficient Heating System
A home’s furnace wasn’t built to last forever. Especially with new models and technology that is consistently developed, you may find that your older model just doesn’t hold up. The average furnace lasts about 25 years. If your furnace is getting to be that age, it may be time to consider a replacement. The upfront cost of installing a new furnace pays for itself with future energy bills.
Leaks in Ductwork
If your home uses a forced-air heating system, leaks in the ductwork can also be a cause of higher energy bills. You can easily search for these spots yourself by making a trip down to the basement or up to the attic. Listen or feel for signs of air escaping. If you find leaks, contact a professional to come fix the problem.
Thermostat Problems
Thermostats control the heating systems in our homes. It may be as simple as turning it down a few degrees during the day while you’re not home or that someone is tinkering with the settings to make it more comfortable for them. Investing in a programmable thermostat will solve this problem. You can set it to lower and raise the temperature during times of the day where you may be asleep or out of the home. There are even ones that you can use right on your phone which can be a great way to passively manage the temperature.
Call the Professionals
If you are still experiencing issues after troubleshooting yourself, your best option is to call in professionals. This way you can get the problem figured out quickly and get your home back to a comfortable temperature. Our team at Shriver Mechanical can handle any HVAC project you throw our way. Contact us or call us today at (770) 975-1927 to schedule an appointment. We service Acworth, Georgia and the surrounding areas.