During winter, it is expected to run your furnace non-stop, especially during the coldest part of the season. As such, the rise of your energy cost is inevitable. But did you know that there are other reasons why you pay more for energy during this time of year?
Here at Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning, we aim to provide you with not just products and service that meets your heating or cooling needs. As your leading heating company in Richfield MN, it is our objective to provide you with relevant information that will help you understand your HVAC systems better. Here are things you may want to think about.
It costs more to generate power.
The delivery of electricity from the power plant to your home is an intricate process. The generator moves power through the grid before it arrives at your local network, bringing the electricity to your residence. Since homes need more energy during winter, the cost of power generation and delivery increases as the grid becomes more overloaded. You will see this spike shown in your electricity bill.
Using electricity wisely is a step you can take to minimize energy use. So, disconnect unused appliances and use energy-saving light fixtures. You can also try opening your curtains and blinds during the daytime to take advantage of the greenhouse effect and allow the sun to naturally heat your home. But don’t forget to close the curtains at night.
You can also save energy by putting on warm clothing. It’s much more economical to warm your body than your house. To keep the thermostat low, simply wear a nice sweater and warm socks around the house. Stay snug at night under a thick blanket, comforter, or quilt.
You’re using hot water.
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 services can increase your usage, resulting in higher energy costs.
Drying clothes is a rather challenging task during winter because your home’s exterior cannot provide the heat needed. One of the appliances you operate during frigid days is your tumble dryer, which uses a considerable amount of electricity.
You can set the temperature on your water heater a few degrees cooler to save you a couple of dollars on your energy bills.
Your old furnace uses more fuel.
Another reason you have higher than average heating bills during this season is an aging heating system. Furnaces typically work anywhere from 10-15 years before they’re considered outdated. If your existing unit is beyond this age, you may notice it has more frequent breakdowns and more energy to provide your required heat level. The only solution to this problem is to upgrade your furnace to a new, more efficient unit. While doing so involves an upfront cost, you’re going to have to upgrade your system soon, anyway. A new furnace will pay you dividends in the long run as it helps you save energy each month.
Your home has poor insulation.
The quality of your home’s insulation says a lot about your energy consumption. If you have an older home, it’s best to consider 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. Consider having your insulation professionally checked and upgraded to keep the hot air in and cold air out. Alternatively, you can try caulking and weatherstripping to air-seal your home. Such an upgrade will cause a significant reduction in your energy use.
Save Money on Energy with Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
Heating your home doesn’t have to be expensive. With the help of our heating experts, you can save your hard-earned dollars by making your home energy-efficient. To find out how, give us a call. We’d love to sit down with you and understand your heating needs more. With over forty years of experience as your preferred Bloomington heating and air conditioning maintenance company, we sure have the solution to your heating issues.