Have you wondered why are heating costs going up in winter when it feels like you are doing everything right? As a property owner, you must be proactive to keep your energy bill low throughout the colder months. There are many reasons why are heating costs going up but don’t worry, we are here to help.
Winter is one of the most expensive seasons regarding energy bills. The main reason why are heating costs going up is that we use our heating systems more often to keep our homes warm and comfortable. But there are other contributing factors you may not be aware of, which is why we’ve put together this guide.
Keep reading to learn about the different reasons why your heating costs might be going up and what you can do about it.
Poor Insulation
One common reason for increased heating costs is poor insulation. If your home is not adequately insulated, heat will escape through cracks and gaps in the walls, windows, and doors. This means that your heating system has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, which leads to higher energy bills.
If you think poor insulation might be the reason your heating costs are going up, you can do a few things to improve it. First, check for any gaps or cracks around your windows and doors and seal them with caulking or weatherstripping. You can also add insulation to your attic and walls to reduce heat loss.
You can also invest in an air conditioning monitoring system to ensure your HVAC is working efficiently, either in the winter or during the summer.
An Old or Inefficient Heating System
Another common reason for increased heating costs is an old or inefficient heating system. If your furnace is over 15 years old, it might be time for an upgrade. Older furnaces are not as efficient as newer models and tend to break down more often, leading to higher repair costs.
Investing in a new, energy-efficient furnace can help reduce your heating costs and save you money in the long run. Look for a furnace with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 80% or higher. This means that 80% of the fuel used by the furnace is converted into heat, while the other 20% is lost through exhaust.
Another option is installing a heat pump, which can be used for heating and cooling. Heat pumps are very efficient and can help you save on energy costs in winter and summer.
HVAC Maintenance
One of the best ways to keep your heating costs down is to maintain your HVAC system regularly. This includes changing the air filter regularly, keeping the area around your furnace clean and clear of debris, and having your furnace serviced by a professional once a year.
Regular maintenance can help improve the efficiency of your heating system and prevent costly repairs down the road. It’s also important to note that most furnace manufacturers require annual maintenance to keep the warranty valid.
Want To Save More On Your Electricity Bills?
Is Your HVAC System Not Cooling Your Home Enough?
Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat settings can have a big impact on your heating costs. During the winter months, you should set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you are home and awake and lower it to 55 degrees Fahrenheit when you are sleeping or away from home.
Every degree above 68 degrees Fahrenheit can add about 3-5% to your energy bill, so it’s essential to be mindful of your thermostat settings. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can set it to automatically lower the temperature when you are away from home or asleep.
Leaky Ductwork
Another common reason for increased heating costs is leaky ductwork. If your ductwork is not sealed correctly, heat can escape through the cracks and holes, reducing your heating system’s efficiency.
Duct tape is not a practical solution for sealing ductwork and can worsen the problem. If you think you might have leaky ductwork, it’s best to hire a professional to take a look. They will be able to properly seal the ductwork and improve the efficiency of your heating system.
Why Are Heating Costs Going Up: Tips To Save For Homeowners
If you are aware of the many reasons why are heating costs going up, then it’s essential also to know the various tips to help save on heating costs this winter. Following these tips can keep your home warm without breaking the bank.
Let The Sunlight Come In
Natural sunlight is a great way to heat up your home without using any energy. During the day, open up all of your curtains and blinds to let the sunlight in. This will help warm up your home and reduce the time you need to use your heating system.
At night, be sure to close all of your curtains and blinds to help keep the heat in. You might also consider investing in some heavy curtains or drapes to help insulate your windows during the colder months.
This will help keep the day heat in. Cold wind and weather are some of the reasons why are heating costs going up and affect homeowners.
Type of Clothes To Wear
Dressing properly for the colder weather is also crucial for reducing your heating costs. Be sure to wear layers of clothing so that you can easily take them off if you start to feel too warm.
Wearing socks and slippers around your home will also help keep your feet warm and reduce the time you need to use your heating system. You can bundle up with a blanket when sitting on the couch or in your favorite chair to stay warm.
Closed All Unused Rooms
If there are rooms that you are not using in your home, be sure to keep the doors closed. This will help prevent heat from escaping into these unused rooms and keep more heat in your used rooms.
You might also want to consider investing in a space heater for these unused rooms so you can still use them without heating your entire home. Space heaters are a great way to save on energy costs and still be able to use all of the rooms in your home.
Ensure Proper Door And Window Insulation
Insulation is vital for keeping the heat in and cold air out. Be sure to check your doors and windows to make sure that they are properly insulated.
If you feel a draft is coming from your doors or windows, it might need to be replaced. You can also invest in weatherstripping or caulking to help seal any gaps or cracks. This will help prevent heat from escaping and keep your home warm all winter.
Bake or Cook At Home
Are heating costs going up in your home? One way to help offset these costs is by cooking or baking at home.
When you use your oven, stovetop, or microwave, the heat produced will help warm up your home. This is a great way to save on energy costs and still be able to enjoy all of your favorite meals.
For instance, if you have your family over for a holiday dinner, you can use the heat from cooking to help warm up your home instead of turning up the thermostat.
Keep Thermostat Down
Keeping your thermostat down is one of the best ways to reduce heating costs. When you are not home, turn your thermostat down, so your heating system does not have to work as hard.
You can also invest in a programmable thermostat to easily schedule when you want your home to be heated. This is a great way to save energy costs and stay comfortable in your home.
Thermostats that are not appropriately programmed are one of the reasons why are heating costs going up. You can purchase a smart or programmable thermostat, which will help you save on energy costs.
Use A Humidifier
Adding a humidifier to your home can also help reduce your heating costs. When the air is too dry, it can cause your heating system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature in your home.
A humidifier will add moisture to the air and help keep your home at a comfortable level. This is a great way to reduce static electricity, prevent respiratory problems, and save on energy costs.
Turn Off Lights And Electronics When Not In Use
One of the biggest reasons why are heating costs going up is that people forget to turn off their lights and electronics when they are not using them. Leaving your lights and electronics on when you are not home can waste energy and increase your heating costs.
Be sure to turn off all lights and electronics before leaving home. You can also invest in energy-efficient light bulbs to help reduce your energy costs.
Want To Save More On Your Electricity Bills?
Is Your HVAC System Not Cooling Your Home Enough?
Furniture Rearrangement
Sometimes, poor furniture arrangements are some of the reasons why are heating costs going up. For instance, if your furniture blocks the vents, this can prevent heat from circulating properly and cause your heating system to work harder.
Be sure to rearrange your furniture, so it does not block any vents. This will help ensure that heat can circulate adequately and reduce heating costs.
You can also invest in some furniture pads to help protect your floors and furniture from scratches.
Invest On Ceiling Fans
Fans can help circulate the air in your home and reduce your heating costs. Be sure to invest in ceiling fans to circulate the air in your home quickly.
Ceiling fans are a great way to save on energy costs and still be able to keep your home comfortable. Although fans are not as beneficial during winter, they can still help reduce your heating costs.
Common Places Where Heat Escapes Your Home
Heat loss is one of the main reasons why are heating costs going up. There are a few common places where heat escapes your home, such as through doors and windows.
Here are some tips to help reduce heat loss in your home:
- Install weatherstripping around doors and windows
- Seal any cracks or gaps around doors and windows
- Add insulation to your home
Roofs
Roofs are another common place where heat can escape your home. Be sure to check your roof for any leaks or cracks.
If you find any leaks or cracks, seal them so that heat cannot escape. You can also add some insulation to your attic to help reduce heat loss. For instance, if your roof is not properly insulated, then this can cause your central heating system to work harder and increase your heating costs.
Doors
Doors that are not properly sealed can also cause heat to escape your home. Be sure to check your doors for any gaps or cracks.
If you find any gaps or cracks, seal them so that heat cannot escape. You can also add some insulation around your doors to help reduce heat loss. Opening and closing your doors frequently is one reason why heating costs are rising, so be sure only to open and close them when necessary.
Windows
Windows that are not properly sealed can also cause heat to escape your home. Be sure to check your windows for any gaps or cracks.
If you find any gaps or cracks, seal them so that heat cannot escape. You can also add some insulation around your windows to help reduce heat loss. Opening and closing your windows frequently is one of the reasons why are heating costs going up.
If you live in an area where it gets cold, you can also invest in some window treatments to help keep the heat in. For instance, curtains and blinds can help reduce heat loss.
Want To Save More On Your Electricity Bills?
Is Your HVAC System Not Cooling Your Home Enough?
Furnace/Fireplace
Although the fireplace is a great way to stay warm in the winter, it is also one of the reasons why heating costs are going up. Be sure only to use your fireplace when necessary.
If you have a furnace, be sure to maintain it so that it runs efficiently and regularly. A well-maintained furnace can help reduce your heating costs.
You can also invest in some energy-efficient appliances to help reduce your energy costs. For instance, an ENERGY STAR-certified furnace can help you save money on your energy bill.
Outlets and Light Switches
Check your outlets and light switches for any gaps or cracks. If you find any gaps or cracks, seal them so that heat cannot escape.
You can also add insulation around your outlets and light switches to help reduce heat loss. Be sure only to use your appliances and lights when necessary. Leaving them on unnecessarily is one of the reasons why are heating costs going up.
Walls
Any gaps or cracks in your walls can also cause heat to escape your home. Be sure to check your walls for any gaps or cracks.
If you find any gaps or cracks, seal them so that heat cannot escape. You can also add some insulation to your walls to help reduce heat loss.
Floors
A poor flooring job can also cause heat to escape your home. Be sure to check your floors for any gaps or cracks. Any gaps or cracks should be sealed so that heat cannot escape.
You can also add some insulation to your floors to help reduce heat loss. For instance, if you have hardwood floors, you can add a rug to help insulate the floor and minimize heat loss.
Final Words
Learning the reasons why heating costs are going up can help you take steps to reduce your energy costs. Be sure to check for any gaps or cracks around your home and seal them so that heat cannot escape. You can also add some insulation to your home to help reduce heat loss.
Taking these steps can help you save money on your energy bill. Winter months may seem like they cost you a lot more in heating costs, but by following these tips, you can keep your energy costs down.
