Reasons Your Heating Bills Are Expensive
Nothing is more comforting than walking into a toasty warm home after you have been out in the freezing cold. However, keeping your home warm during the winter can get quite expensive if you are not careful. If you are sick and tired of paying hundreds of dollars a month to heat your home in the winter, you might need to make some changes. Here are seven reasons why your heating bills are expensive:
You Air Filters Are Dirty
If it has been a while since you’ve changed the air filters on your furnace, your heating bills may be higher than normal. If the air filter is clogged with dust and dirt, your heating system has to work a lot harder to keep your house warm. All this extra energy the system uses can result in expensive energy bills. If you change the filters once every month, you can save five to 15 percent on utility costs.
Changing your air filters frequently can also extend the life of your heating system and keep the air quality in your home healthy.
Your Windows Are Drafty
If you have older windows that are not very energy efficient, cold air can easily sneak into your home and spike up your energy bills. An easy way to fix this problem is to apply shrink film around your windows. It will prevent drafts and help keep your house warm.
You Don’t Use a Space Heater
In the wintertime, it is beneficial to use a space heater in a room your family spends a lot of time, such as the living room. If the space heater is running in this room, you can turn the thermostat down a few degrees and not feel any colder. Just remember to turn off the space heater when you leave the house to reduce the risk of fires.
You Don’t Take Advantage of the Heat You Have
To keep your heating bills down in the winter, you should use the heat you already have. For example, after you get done cooking food in the oven, leave the oven door open for a little while. The hot air can warm up your home and give your heating system a break.
You could also open the curtains on your windows during the day. The sun can shine into your home and provide it with a little extra heat.
You Use Your Exhaust Fans Too Frequently
In the wintertime, it is not a good idea to use the exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen too often. These fans can pull hot air right out of your home. Only utilize these fans when it is absolutely necessary.
You Don’t Get Your Furnace Inspected Regularly
No matter how old your furnace is, it is important to get it inspected by a professional every year. A heating contractor will thoroughly inspect and clean the furnace to improve its efficiency. If a problem is found, the heating contractor can fix it immediately so that it does not turn into a bigger issue.
Spending a little extra money on a professional furnace inspection can help you save more money down the road.
You Don’t Use Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are not just useful in the summertime; they can also be a big help in the winter. If you run these fans clockwise, they will trap heat inside rooms and keep them warmer.
You do not have to pay an arm and a leg to heat your home this winter. If you want to learn more information about saving money on your heating bills, contact Heald Mechanical.
