To see a bump in your energy costs in winter is quite natural. Since you will be using your furnace more, you shouldn’t be surprised to pay more for heating. But when things get a little bit confusing, i.e. when the change is too much, how do you make sense of it?
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted heating company in Anoka MN. We provide superb home comfort solutions to homes. One of the things we do to ensure you don’t pay more for heating than you should is maintaining furnaces. Working with us guarantees your heating system stays in tip-top shape and works as efficiently as possible.
Here are some of the main reasons for higher energy costs in winter along with helpful tips to minimize your energy use.
You’re using more electricity.
Because of the cold weather, you are inclined to use more appliances and systems to keep yourself and your family comfortable and entertained. For this reason, your energy bill will go up in winter.
In summer, it’s easy to sweat and get uncomfortable when sharing a bed. However, in winter, it’s quite the opposite. Using a toasty warm electric blanket enables you to share a bed and enjoy the warmth it brings. But don’t be surprised to see an increase in your electricity bill by month’s end.
Drying clothes is a pretty challenging task during winter because your garden cannot provide the heat needed. One of the appliances you run during frosty days is your tumble dryer, which consumes a considerable amount of electricity.
If you have uneven heat distribution from your furnace, chances are some areas are much colder than others. You may opt to use electric heaters to turn up the temperature and keep your loved ones warm. But as expected, you will see a spike in your energy bill.
Tip: Bundle up to allow you to lower your thermostat settings. Shake out clothes when you remove them from the washer. As much as possible, dry full loads of clothes instead of a few items at a time. But be sure to not overload the dryer.
Air is leaking in certain parts of your house.
Doors, especially the ones leading outside are major areas for drafts. If you have a drafty door, not only are you letting out precious heated air, but you’re also letting in cold air from the outside. As a result, your furnace works harder than it should but it always fails to heat your home.
Tip: Be sure to inspect the weatherstripping and seals around the door frame. If there are any damaged or missing seals, replace them and apply new caulk to any broken seals. Also, check your attic and basement thoroughly. The areas are notorious for hiding air leaks. If you discover any leaks, use foam or caulk to seal those cracks. If the holes are too big, you may need to install or repair insulation.
Your thermostat is inefficient.
Determining the balance between the right temperature and avoiding high heating bills is not easy during winter, especially if you have an old, outdated thermostat. If the thermostat in your home is ten years old or more it may no longer be as efficient as it once was.
Tip: Consider replacing it with a programmable thermostat. These new, high-tech thermostats learn your heating and cooling preferences so that you won’t always be turning up the heat or turning it down. They will automatically adjust the temperature depending on your liking, saving you money in the process.
You may save even more money if you switch to a smart thermostat that allows you to control the temperature in your home from anywhere remotely. Such a device uses WI-Fi technology to manage your indoor climate in the most energy-efficient ways wirelessly.
Ask Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
One of the most important things you need to do to ensure you’re not wasting energy this winter is to invest in Champlin furnace repair and maintenance. A qualified professional will give your heating system a thorough inspection and cleaning, check and rectify ongoing issues, and make sure the unit works according to the manufacturer’s specifications.