Getting a costly surprise when you open your heating bill makes the harsh winter even tougher. That's on top of the inefficient home heating that makes your home colder. Luckily, proper diagnoses of this heating problem will get your home heating needs back on track.
Weak or damaged insulation
If you notice uneven home heating or higher heating costs, check the home insulation. Poor insulation in the attic or walls causes problems retaining precious (and expensive) heat in your home. If you notice that the heater is running all day, but your home isn't getting warmer, you're dealing with poor insulation.
How To Fix It
Proper analysis of home insulation is the only way to correctly fix this heating problem. Your home simply needs additional insulation.
However, if the insulation is wet, infested with pests, or outdated, a full insulation replacement is necessary. Luckily, proper insulation reduces heating and cooling costs by as much as 40 percent annually.
Leaks in the ductwork
If a forced-air heating system is used for home heating, leaks in the ductwork could increase the monthly bill. Ductwork should be accessible from the basement or attic. To self diagnose this problem, access one of these areas. See, feel, and listen for air leaks in the ducts.
How To Fix It
If a leak is found, have a professional fix the problem. Some areas of ductwork are difficult to reach, and leaky ductwork impacts indoor air quality, damages the HVAC system, or clogs air filters. Since these issues are harder to self-diagnose, trust a professional to fully diagnose your home heating system.
Inefficient furnace
The average lifespan of a home furnace is 25 years. If the unit is aging, it's time for a replacement. While replacing a furnace has a large upfront cost, replacing a heating unit with 80 percent efficiency for one with 96 percent efficiency can save you up to 20 percent on energy consumption.
A few of the common warning signs include the following:
How To Fix It
Routine maintenance prolongs the heating unit's life. A professional is able to diagnose worn-out parts, carbon monoxide leaks, and dirt or rust. This maintenance keeps your home properly heated and the energy bill stable.
Thermostat issues
Thermostats impact the heating needs in your home positively and negatively. By turning the thermostat down between 8 to 10° Fahrenheit for an 8-hour time period, you save 10 percent a year on the power bill.
How To Fix It
While monitoring the thermostat seems like an additional duty, modern heating systems make it simpler than you think. Utilizing programmable thermostats makes temperature adjustments easier and accessible from anywhere.
Feeling a draft in your home impedes home comfort and costs you money. Research has found that 25 percent of lost home heat is going right out the window.
Older windows allow cold air to seep into your home, which alters the thermostat reading and causes your high home-heating bills. This subsequently raises the energy bill. If you're looking for ways to better monitor the temperatures in your home, consider installing a smart thermostat.
How To Fix It
The first step to fixing an air leak is to check the weatherstripping and caulk around the windows. The reapplication of a layer of caulk serves as a temporary fix to drafty, older widows.
A second option for solving this heating problem is to apply a clear plastic film. These films are applied using a heating source, which tightly presses them against the window frame. It's found that these films reduce heating costs by as much as 14 percent.
If your home heating system has brought you to your boiling point, give Warner Service a call. A Warner Service technician is able to offer quality heating services and bring back the warm, cozy feeling.
You can also download our Guide To A Lower Energy Bill to help you save more on your monthly bills.
