With colder winter weather in Oregon, many homeowners dread opening their heating bills. Why? Because bills can spike during the winter months. If you’re one of those individuals who has seen a dramatic increase in heating costs, you might be wondering what’s going on. Here are some important things to keep in mind and some tips on how to minimize your risk of skyrocketing utility bills.
Be mindful of how long your heating system runs.
As outdoor temperatures drop, your heating system has to run longer and work harder to keep your home warm and cozy. Keep in mind that the bigger the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the more energy your system uses. To combat a spike in energy uses and reduce long term wear and tear on your machine, we recommend lowering your thermostat by one or two degrees and layering your clothing indoors. This is a small adjustment that can significantly reduce winter heating costs.
Check your insulation.
Your home’s insulation works in conjunction with your heating system, locking in the warm air inside. If your insulation is lacking, your system has to work harder than necessary, ultimately translating to high bills and a system that could break down or need repairs.
Consider any potential air leaks.
Check around windows, doors, and attic entry points for leaks or drafts. Make sure weatherstripping or caulking around gaps is installed properly. In addition, our team at Specialty Heating and Cooling can look for ductwork leaks and fix those. Sealing your home’s ductwork through the patented Aeroseal® system means none of that precious warm air will leak out – and you’ll keep dirt and other harmful toxins far away from the air you breathe. This revolutionary process fixes leaks from the inside out by using small aerosol particles that collide and stick to the areas of leakage. The best part: it has a 98% success rate!
Know how to operate your thermostat.
Did you know that constantly adjusting your thermostat can increase your energy usage? On the coldest of winter days, it might be tempting to turn it up higher so you can feel warm air faster but remember – your system works at the same speed no matter how high your thermostat is set. So, stick to one temperature that feels comfortable. To save even more money and conserve more energy, consider installing a programmable thermostat. These products work alongside any existing system and allow you to adjust temperatures from anywhere. If you program the thermostat to lower while you’re asleep or away for a winter getaway, chances are, you’ll see a decrease in heating bills.
Stay on top of preventative maintenance.
Annual HVAC maintenance is critical to maintaining the lifespan of your machine. This helps improve efficiency and helps prevent expensive breakdowns during peak winter months.
Replace old, inefficient systems.
Is your heating system more than 15 years old? Outdated machines slow down and become more inefficient as time goes on. Today’s furnace systems are built with energy savings in mind. We recognize that a furnace replacement is a big investment. That’s why our experienced team at Specialty Heating and Cooling will work with you to find the right product within your budget. We also offer convenient financing options!
Winter heating bills don’t have to be stressful! By being conscious of how you utilize your system and making a few changes, you can keep your home or business warm – no matter what the winter weather decides to do outside. And if it’s time for a furnace repair, replacement, or tune-up appointment, let us help! We look forward to serving you and ensuring you stay comfortable all year long.