If there is one thing most Portland homeowners agree on, it is that no one likes spendy bills. Of course, sensible homeowners realize some bills are an essential part of property ownership. During the winter, a heating bill means the furnace is up and running and keeping the interior at the desired temperature. That’s a good thing, for sure.
That said, the bill could be unnecessarily high. Sometimes, the combination of a large home and chilly outside temperatures means higher bills prove almost unavoidable. Still, scores of homeowners may pay bills that could potentially be cut down. Before anyone can address high heating bills, it’s necessary to figure out their cause. One or more of the following common reasons may contribute to those budget-busting bills.
1. The Temperature on the Thermostat Is Set Too High
Sometimes, the solutions to reducing heating bills turn out to be far simpler than expected. If you keep the temperature too high, the monthly bills will reflect excessive energy consumption. If your gas heating bill is too high, dropping the temperature a mere 1 to 2 degrees can affect things greatly.
After all, the furnace would stop at, say, 65 degrees rather than continue with the routine 67 degrees. Someone might become used to a particular temperature and stick with it. Maybe switching to a lower temperature is worth trying. Perhaps 62 degrees would be fine, and that setting could lead to cheaper energy bills. If you’re wondering what you should do if your gas bill is too high, checking your setpoint is the first step.
2. Your Thermostat Is Ready for an Upgrade
Who wants to come home to a cold home after work or even a long vacation? Leaving the temperature set at a higher temperature while no one occupies the home wastes money and energy, though. Installing a smart thermostat is a great way to learn how to save money on heating bill costs by optimizing a “lonely” home. A smart thermostat allows you to program when the temperature rises or drops to a particular setting.
Smart thermostats might also work with an app that allows you to change settings from laptops, smartphones, or other devices. Anything that allows you to lower the temperature cuts down on consumption.
3. It’s Time to Give Your Furnace a Tune-Up
Contacting an HVAC service to perform a cleaning, inspection, and tune-up could help you save money on bills by improving efficiency. When the system suffers from worn parts or a dirty filter, it may draw more energy to meet thermostat demands. Something as seemingly basic as changing a filter could improve performance. This is especially true if you notice your heat pump bill too high during a cold snap. However, the technician could discover other problems that are more extensive, which is why a thorough inspection proves valuable.
The technician may consider the furnace’s age and suggest buying a new one. Furnaces don’t last beyond a set number of years, sometimes as little as 10. Such furnaces lose their efficiency over time, and tune-ups might only prove marginally helpful.
The team at Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing of Clackamas, OR, stands at the ready to assist with furnace and cooling repair, maintenance, and installation. Improved furnace performance may result after a routine visit.
4. Drafts and Insulation Need to Be Addressed
When hot air escapes to the outside, the furnace runs harder to bring the temperature to the desired level. To understand what causes a high gas bill, look toward your windows. Maybe something as simple as fixing window cracks or weatherstripping doors and windows would be enough. In some cases, investing in new doors and windows, ones designed to cut down on drafts and leaks, may prove necessary.
Checking the attic could reveal issues with poor insulation. If so, then steps to address the troubles might reverse things and get those heating bills down.
Don’t overlook the ducts when trying to eliminate drafts and imperfections. A technician could check the ducts and seal them if they suffer from holes or other damage. Companies that specialize in ductwork might be of great assistance here.
5. Failure in Utilizing Space Heaters as a Heating Option
How about using a small, safe, electric space heater? Using a little heater to bring up the temperature in a specific area at a specific time takes some of the work away from the furnace. A little increase in the electric bill might be far less than potentially significant increases in the gas one. However, be careful not to overdo it, or you may end up with an abnormally high electric bill.
Those considering a significant investment may consider installing a zoned heating and cooling system. This way, each temperature in the various zones becomes individually regulated.
Call the office today to schedule a visit. We really look forward to serving all of your home comfort needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my gas heating bill so high suddenly?
If you are wondering what causes a high gas bill out of nowhere, it could be a combination of rising utility rates, a malfunctioning furnace pilot light, or a leak in your ductwork. A professional inspection can identify if your system is working harder than it should to keep your home warm.
How can I lower my bill during a Portland winter?
The best way to save money on heating bill expenses is to bundle up in your favorite hoodie or rain shell inside and lower the thermostat by three to five degrees while you sleep. Additionally, ensure your furnace filters are changed monthly during the peak heating season.
