What Causes High Heating Bills?

When temperatures are low in Newport Beach, it is nice to have a warm and cozy home waiting for your arrival. However, the cost of heating your home leads some to choosing between high bills or a comfortable home temperature. There are many factors that contribute to high heating bills and many point back to causing high energy usage. In this blog, we answer the common homeowner question of what causes high heating bills and tips to keep heating costs low in Orange County, CA.

Why Are My Energy Bills So High?

To simply put it – your energy bills are high because something in your house is using more energy. Heating and cooling bills take up nearly half of the average homeowner’s utility bills. If you notice your energy bill has spiked, your heating system is likely the source. To confirm your heating unit is the root of the problem, we recommend starting by comparing energy bills from recent months. Your heating unit could be using more energy due to many factors, and it is important to address the situation to avoid a heating breakdown. Whether the cause of high bills is a malfunction or the system itself, repairing or replacing your heating system should get your energy bills back to normal.

Reasons For High Heating Costs

Heating units are complex systems with various components working together. If one component malfunctions or is obstructed, it causes the whole system to work harder and use more energy to effectively meet the thermostat setting. This results in an overworked heating unit and high bills. As we mentioned, high heating costs can be due to a variety of factors. Below are five common reasons homeowners in Newport Beach and surrounding areas experience high heating costs.

• Dirty Air Filters
• Blocked/Dirty Unit
• Air Leaks
• Aging System
• Thermostat Issues

Dirty Air Filters

Dirty air filters are one of the most common reasons for high heating and cooling costs. Air filters can be easy to forget about until your unit begins experiencing problems. If air filters are dirty or clogged, air struggles to pass through. This results in your heating system using more energy to push air through the clogged filter pores. To maintain low heating costs in Newport Beach, we recommend changing furnace and other air filters around your home every 90 days. Along with saving money on utility bills, clean air filters can improve air quality, comfort, and air flow throughout your home.

Blocked/Dirty Unit

Whether your heating unit is located indoors or outdoors, it should remain clean and free of obstructions harming its ability to produce heat. If your unit is outside your home, we recommend ensuring weekly it is clear of tree branches, leaves, and other outdoor debris. Indoor units should remain clean from dust and clear from personal objects. Do not stack boxes or other storage items on your heating unit and keep other items at least 30 inches from the unit. Blocked or dirty heating units can cause airflow problems and result in the system using more energy to function.

Air Leaks

If warm air is escaping, less air makes it inside your home and slows down the heating process. Air leaks can be inside ductwork, windows, walls, doors, and spaces like attics. Sealing air leaks and insulating spaces can help prevent heat loss in your home, which can save money on monthly bills! According to EnergyStar, the EPA estimates sealing and insulating can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs. Caulking and weather stripping are a cost effective method for sealing small air leaks. We recommend adding insulation to attics, crawlspaces, garages, and other unheated areas.

Aging System

Like the majority of appliances, your heating system’s efficiency declines with age. Most heating units last 15-20 years if well maintained. As the system experiences wear and tear, it uses more energy to properly heat your home. If your energy bills have spiked, consider the age of your unit and replacement. While replacing your heating unit in Newport Beach is a costly expense upfront, it can save money in the long run on utility bills and frequent repair costs. When the time comes, an Absolute Comfort technician is ready to make the replacement process a breeze and keep your home comfortable!

Thermostat Issues

Your thermostat is the brain of the heating process and could be the cause of high heating costs. We recommend ensuring your thermostat has working batteries (if needed) and confirming the correct settings. Your thermostat should read your desired home temperature in “Heat” mode and set to “Auto.” If your thermostat is set to “On,” it will constantly run even if the unit is not producing heat. Additionally, older models of thermostats sometimes do not work as efficiently as new models. Programmable and smart thermostats can help save on heating costs using the device’s energy saving settings.

How Can I Lower My Heating Bill?

There are many ways to lower your heating bill without feeling a difference in comfort. Below are six ways to lower your heating bill in Costa Mesa, CA.

• Lower Your Thermostat. The lower the thermostat setting in the winter, the more you will save!
• Regularly Change Air Filters. Maintaining clean air filters allow your heating unit to easily distribute heat throughout your home.
• Seal Air Leaks. Air can easily escape through small cracks in your windows and doors, causing your heating system to use more energy to produce more heat.
• Insulate Your Home. Not only will insulating your home maintain comfort, but protect against unnecessary heat loss through spaces such as your attic.
• Install A Programmable Thermostat. Programmable and smart thermostats adjust your home’s temperature without sacrificing your comfort.
• Utilize Ceiling Fans. Ceiling fans in winter mode spin clockwise to create an upward draft and relocate trapped heat near the ceiling.

Staying comfortable in your home should always be an option for our customers. Consider these tips if you are experiencing high heating bills this winter. If you are in need of heating repair or maintenance in Newport Beach, CA and surrounding areas, give one of Absolute’s trained technicians a call!

For Professional Heating & Cooling Services in Costa Mesa, CA Contact Absolute Comfort at 949-240-8560, Or Request Service Online.