As winter approaches, the temperature outside starts to drop and heating bills increase substantially. Learn some of the factors that cause your heating bill to increase and how to lower it and still keep your home cozy and warm.
What increases the heating bill?
Most people often ask, what causes expensive heating? Below are the factors that might increase your monthly heating bill during winter.
Seasonal Change
When its cold outside, you definitely want to stay warm indoors. That’s why most people set higher temperature setting on the thermostat to really crank up more heat. However, the difference in temperature change that exists between your home and outside causes the furnace to work overtime to keep you comfortable.
Poor insulation
Is your home older or maybe it’s not properly insulated? Well, you can easily lose heat through drafty doors and leaky windows. And since most of the heat leaks through these cracks, you may realize that you have to run the heater at higher temperatures to enjoy the desired comfort levels.
Additional Laundry
The best way to combat the chilly weather is to wear a set of warm clothes. Whether you decide to use multiple blankets or wear extra clothes, you need to wash these items after use. That means you have to do extra laundry where the dryer will operate constantly, increasing your heating or energy bill.
Tips to lower your energy or heating bill
There are simple steps to take to lower your energy or heating bill. Here are practical tips you can try at home.
Set a low temperature setting on the thermostat
While this might seem counterproductive in your quest to stay cozy and work, there’s no real difference when you adjust the thermostat. Dropping a few degrees can save you at least 5% of your heating costs.
Service the furnace regularly
The best way to prevent the furnace from overworking is to ensure all the components are running smoothly. Service the furnace annually to prepare for winter.
Wear warm clothes
Stay warm and comfortable and keep your heating bills down by wearing extra clothes. Wear thick sweaters, shirts and socks, or use blankets to stay warm throughout the days without spending more on heating bills.
Conclusion
To lower your heating bill, it’s important to service the furnace regularly to ensure all the components are working properly. Consult an HVAC professional to check that the furnace is working optimally.
References: HVAC.com, Warner Service, Ovo Energy