Winter is fast approaching, and with it, colder weather. We're fortunate to live in an age where HVAC systems keep us warm and cozy inside our homes. Unfortunately, we also live in an era when most heating costs continue to increase, whether you heat with gas, oil, or electricity.

Why is My Heating Bill So High?

According to Forbes, Americans spend an average of $429.33 monthly on utilities, or about 10% of their yearly income. Forbes also reports that oil increased from $76 a barrel to over $110 per barrel in March 2022, the average household is expected to spend 28% more to heat a home with gas in 2023, and electric bills are expected to continue to rise.

You may have little or no control over these rising costs, but you do have control over several variables that affect your heating bills - your HVAC system, your family's habits, and the condition of your home. Typically, a newer, more efficient, well-maintained HVAC system will lower heating costs.

If your family prefers walking around the house in T-shirts rather than sweaters or sweatshirts, you may need to increase the temperature setting on your heater, thereby increasing heating costs. If you take a set-it-and-forget-it approach to your thermostat, you may be wasting money heating your house when you aren't home.

And finally, the condition of your home can affect your heating bill. A home with good insulation, air-tight doors and windows, etc., can significantly lower your heating costs.

7 Low or No-Cost  Tips: 

1. Schedule a pre-season Checkup.
   Like any other appliance in your home, your HVAC system requires regular maintenance. A pre-season checkup on your heating system each fall helps ensure it continues running safely and efficiently.
   
   
2. Regularly replace air filters.
   Air filters trap dust, germs, pollen, and other contaminants. A dirty filter can increase energy costs and damage your equipment, resulting in expensive repairs. Therefore, you should inspect your air filter monthly and clean or replace it if it is dirty.
   
   
3. Install a programmable thermostat.
   Why waste money heating your home when everyone is at work or school? Does the house need to be the same temperate at night while you're tucked under blankets as it does during the day? Probably not! According to Energy.gov, "You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting." A programable thermostat, which allows you to adjust when your heater goes on and off, can save money on your heating (and cooling) bills without sacrificing comfort.
   
   
4. Dress warmly.
   Instead of wearing T-shirts and shorts and cranking up the heat to keep you warm, consider wearing long sleeves and pants or even sweaters and sweatshirts when at home so you can lower the temperature and the cost of your heating bills.
   
   
5. Use ceiling fans.
   Ceiling fans aren't just for summer! In summer, your ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise to create a downdraft and clockwise in winter to create an updraft. Hunter explains, "By recirculating the warm air and distributing it back into the living space, you can improve the average room temperature and keep your furnace from working overtime."
   
   
6. Clear Vents, Registers, and Radiators.
   Ensure you aren't limiting heat flow by blocking supply or return vents, registers, or radiators. Move furniture and other obstacles away to allow the warm air to flow properly.
   
   
7. Check out the U.S. Department of Energy's Website.
   The U.S. Department of Energy's website offers many energy-saving tips for your home.

Install an ENERGY STAR® Heating and Cooling System

If you have an old heater, installing a more efficient HVAC system can significantly lower your heating and cooling bills.

Call Ultimate Comfort Heating & Cooling at 610-750-8314 or connect with us online for a FREE Comfort Analysis. Estimates and consultations for new systems are provided FREE of charge.