Are you one of those people who tries to wait longer and longer each year to turn on the heat for the first time? Stop waiting until after Thanksgiving to turn on the heat just because you’re afraid of your first heating bill. There are things you can do to make your heating bill less painful. The pros at Novak share the common reasons why your heating bill is so high and some things you can do to lower it.
Trust the pros at Novak Heating, Air & Duct Cleaning. We’ll have plenty of solutions to help lower your heating costs and keep your furnace running efficiently all winter long.
Reasons Why Your Heating Bill Is So High
Your HVAC system is what keeps heat circulating in your home. If your heating bills are high and you can’t attribute it to a specific incident, that’s usually a big sign that something is wrong with your home’s heating system, insulation, or ductwork.
Not Enough Insulation
Insulation is in our attics and walls. It keeps the heat from escaping out the roof of your home. There are a couple of different types of insulation, and they don’t have the same lifespans. Fiberglass insulation can last 80-100 years, while cellulose insulation only lasts around 30. Older homes especially suffer from not having enough insulation. You should have your insulation inspected to determine its remaining lifespan. An inspection can also find if there is a leak or damage to your insulation that is causing the issue.
Clogged and Leaky Ducts
Dust tends to accumulate in ducts and can make it difficult for air to move to certain rooms of the house. If you find that you have a room that is particularly cold no matter how warm the temperature is set to, clogged ducts could be to blame. The professionals at Novak can inspect and clean your ducts to help evenly heat your house this winter.
Dirty Furnace
It’s always a good idea to have your furnace inspected and cleaned annually. Novak offers a comprehensive fall furnace tune-up that will keep your system running efficiently during the cold winter months. In the winter, when you rely on your furnace for heat, it could be overworked and break down if it’s not properly cared for. Preventative maintenance can prevent breakdowns and keep your heat on when you need it the most.
Ways to Save on Energy This Winter
If you want to save money on your heating bills this winter, then follow these additional measures:
Upgrade Your Thermostat
A smart thermostat not only allows you to set heating schedules during the day, but it also monitors the local weather and adjusts the heat accordingly. It’s never been easier to be in control of your heating system than with a new smart thermostat installed by Novak. We’ll test it and show you how to control it using your voice or smartphone.
Seal Drafty Windows
I bet your mom or dad would say “I’m not paying to heat the outdoors,” when someone left the door open for too long in the winter, allowing cold air to come inside. If you have drafty windows, you’re releasing your home’s heat outside. Look for shrink-to-fit plastic wrap to seal windows and weather stripping for doors this winter. These inexpensive fixes will keep warm air inside and reduce moisture buildup in your home.
Set The Thermostat to 68℉
According to the Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling costs by simply setting your thermostat to 68℉. Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather with socks, slippers, long pants, and extra layers if needed. Wrapping yourself in a blanket when you’re cold is much cheaper than turning up the heat.
Call Novak for More Heating Tips and Service
High heating bills are not something you want to deal with every winter. If you’re wondering why your energy bills are so high, call Novak to find the answer. We’ll help figure out how you’re using so much energy and how to save more. Contact us today to schedule service for your heating unit.
