Why Is Your Heating Bill So High in the Winter?

Heating bills in Colorado can get sizeable during the winter months. Several factors go into that, including your habits (your approach to heating), the condition of your home, and furnace efficiency.

How do you manage your thermostat?

You could be using more energy than you need. For example, if your habit is to set the thermostat and leave it on the same setting 24/7 as long as everyone is comfortable, then you are probably running the furnace more than necessary.

Turn the thermostat down to reduce heating costs when no one will be home for several hours and when everyone is asleep. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lowering your thermostat by 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day can save you 10% yearly on energy costs.

If you can walk around the house comfortably in the dead of winter wearing shorts and short-sleeved shirts, your thermostat is set higher than average. Consider wearing warmer clothing so you can reduce your thermostat setting a little.

What’s the condition of your home?

Heating bills can also be affected by the condition of your home. For example, if your house is not well insulated, you will likely experience heat loss. The same holds with poorly sealed windows and doors, fireplace dampers kept open when not in use, and leaks around power outlets,

Do you have a high-efficiency furnace or an older system?

Last but not least, the age and condition of your HVAC system can increase your energy bills. Older systems tend to use more energy than newer ones. Sometimes this is simply because of wear; other times, due to having a lower energy efficiency rating.

The annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating is how energy efficiency is compared. Older furnaces often have an AFUE rating between 56 to 70%, while new high-efficiency furnaces have AFUE ratings between 90% to 98.5%.

Looking for additional ways to reduce your heating bills?

Let the Sun Shine In

If you have curtains and blinds, open them when the sun is out to take advantage of thermal heating. Close them again after the sun goes down to keep the heat inside.

If you don’t have curtains and blinds, consider getting some. The typical home experiences 30% of its heating loss through windows.

Close Doors in Unused Rooms

Closing the door of any room that’s not being used lowers your heating bill because the heat stays inside, and your heating system is not having to continuously re-heat the room.

Bake Something

On a cold day, the smell of something delicious baking in the oven elicits warm feelings (no pun intended). And while you are using the oven, your furnace won’t have to run as much. When finished baking, leave the oven door open while it cools down.

Replace Filters

Changing your HVAC system filters regularly saves energy, reduces breakdowns, and prolongs the life of your system. During months when the system is running daily, change the filters once a month. During other times of the year, change the filter every 2-3 months.

Use Ceiling Fans

Use the little switch on the base of your ceiling fans to have them turn clockwise instead of counterclockwise, and put the fan on its lowest setting. This helps heat rising to the ceiling move into the room.

Use the Fireplace Thoughtfully

Using the fireplace will warm up the room it’s in but can cause other rooms in the house to get colder, making the furnace run more. Only light the fireplace when you want to set an ambiance or make that particular warmer. And be sure to close the damper and set up a draft guard when the fireplace is not in use.

Leave the Bathroom Door Open

After showering or bathing, leave the bathroom door open to let the warmth into the house, rather than dissipating it through the bathroom vent.

Call Colorado Discount Heating & Cooling Today

If you live in Englewood, CO, or the Denver Metro Area, call Colorado Discount Heating & Cooling to arrange for your next furnace maintenance and ask about our Preventative Maintenance Agreement. Our certified technicians, flat-rate pricing, honest advice, and superior customer service can’t be beaten.