Winter is in full force in the Chicago area, and you’re most likely doing everything you can to keep your house warm while not spending too much on energy costs. However, you may still be shocked when you receive your first heating bill this winter and see how much it’s costing you to simply heat your home. If you have an older furnace or heating system, there can be several reasons why your utility bills are so high, and at G&R Heating and Air, we can diagnose and repair any issue that’s costing you money each month. If you’re wondering why your utility bill is increasing every month, read on for some helpful tips.
Pinpointing The Problem
Thermostat Set Too High – This is unfortunately a very common problem when a customer complains about high energy bills. We know that the temperature can drop quite low during the winter, but setting your thermostat above 70 degrees can put a lot of demand on your furnace to keep up. Setting the thermostat at 67 or 68 degrees should suffice, and be sure to program it to a lower temperature when you’re at work during the day. If there seems to be a problem with your thermostat, our HVAC experts can find the source of the issue.
Airflow Restrictions – If there’s something blocking the warm air from reaching the vents in your home, it’s important to find the problem and remedy it as soon as possible. Clogged furnace filters, dirty ductwork, and other obstructions can lead to dramatically higher heating bills during the winter.
Incorrect Heat Pump Settings – If you heat your home with a heat pump, it’s important to have the thermostat and other components checked regularly for proper operation. If the heat pump is set to “emergency heat” or the defrost mode is activated too frequently, it can lead to higher operating costs, which means more money out of your pocket.
Incorrect Installation – If you had a new furnace installed many years ago, and you weren’t sure about the capability or expertise of the person installing it, chances are something wasn’t connected or installed correctly. While problems may not arise for a few years, the system may be wearing down sooner than it should, and this can mean it has to work harder to heat your home. The furnace system might also be too large or too small for your home, which can lead to inefficient operation, which often means higher costs.
Consider An Upgrade
If you’re constantly plugging in portable space heaters or cranking up the thermostat to keep your house warm, it might be time to consider upgrading your furnace. Instead of paying more each month for heat, you can spend that money on a new system that will pay for itself in just a few years. You’ll have the peace of mind that your home is warm and you’re not paying exorbitant amounts each month to the gas or electric company.
When you need professional HVAC service in Gilberts, Schaumburg, Pingree Grove, or the surrounding area, contact G&R today!
