Your energy bills are expected to rise as the temperatures drop, and one of the main reasons is the non-stop operation of your furnace. However, there are other causes of high electricity costs in winter. This article lists six of them.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your leading heating company in Columbia Heights MN. We help homeowners keep their heating systems in great shape to ensure maximum efficiency and low monthly energy costs.
Power Generation Costs
The delivery of electricity from the power plant to your home is a complex process. The generator transfers power through the grid before it arrives at your local network, delivering the electricity to your home. Whenever the demand for energy increases, the cost of power generation and delivery increases as the grid becomes more overloaded. You will see this reflected in your electricity bill.
More Electricity Use
Because of the cold weather, you are inclined to use more appliances and systems to keep yourself and your family comfortable and entertained. For this reason, your energy bill will go up in winter.
In summer, it’s easy to sweat and get uncomfortable when sharing a bed. However, in winter, it’s quite the opposite. Using a toasty warm electric blanket enables you to share a bed and enjoy the warmth it brings. But don’t be surprised to see an increase in your electricity bill by month’s end.
Drying clothes is a pretty challenging task during winter because your garden cannot provide the heat needed. One of the appliances you run during frosty days is your tumble dryer, which consumes a considerable amount of electricity.
If you have uneven heat distribution from your furnace, chances are some areas are much colder than the others. You may opt to use electric heaters to turn up the temperature and keep your loved ones warm. But as expected, you will see a spike in your energy bill.
An Aging Furnace
Another main reason most homeowners have higher than average heating bills during the winter is aging heating systems. Furnaces typically run anywhere from 10-15 years before they’re considered outdated. This causes the system to have more frequent breakdowns and more energy to provide the same heat level.
Thermostat Issues
Determining the balance between the right temperature and avoiding high heating bills is not easy during winter, especially if you have an old, outdated thermostat. If the thermostat in your home is ten years old or more, you may want to consider replacing it with a programmable thermostat. These new, high tech thermostats learn your heating and cooling preferences so that you won’t always be turning up the heat or turning it down. They will automatically adjust the temperature depending on your liking, saving you money in the process.
You may save even more money if you switch to a smart thermostat that allows you to control the temperature in your home from anywhere remotely. Such a device uses WI-Fi technology to manage your indoor climate in the most energy-efficient ways wirelessly.
Insulation Issues
The quality of your home’s insulation also affects your energy consumption. If you have an older home, it’s best to look into improving your insulation. It’s easy for an older home to lose heated air through the doors, windows, or any opening in your inner and outer walls. To increase your home’s energy efficiency, have a professional perform an energy audit. The U.S. Department of Energy’s zip code insulation program will guide you to how much insulation you should add and where to achieve the recommended insulation levels for optimum energy efficiency.
Hot Water Use
Electric water heaters consume a lot of energy. Electric hot water heating elements can become covered with silt and other water sediments. This issue insulates the water from the heat source, making the heater work harder than usual. Added use of hot water for washing clothes and personal service can increase your usage.
Make Your HVAC System More Energy-Efficient
If you want to save on energy costs this coming winter, have your furnace checked by our HVAC professionals here at Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. We are your unfailing Blaine furnace maintenance company serving you since 1974.