Does it feel like your heating bill is giving you a cold shoulder every December? You’re not alone! Winter in Edmonton brings beautiful snowy landscapes but it also brings challenges for our heating systems—and our budgets. With the furnace working overtime to keep the chills out, it’s no wonder many homeowners see a spike in their energy bills.
But here’s the good news: those rising costs aren’t inevitable. As trusted HVAC contractors in Edmonton, we’re here to uncover some common causes of high heating bills and share practical tips to help keep your home cozy without breaking the bank.
Let’s dive into the factors that sneakily drive up your heating bill and how to put them in check!
1. Cranking Up the Thermostat (The “Just a Little Warmer” Trap)
We’ve all been there—cranking up the thermostat when it’s extra chilly outside. While it might feel great to make the house a bit warmer, each degree you increase costs more, as your heating system has to work even harder to maintain that cozy temperature. As a result, when it’s working overtime those heating bills start to add up fast.
Set your thermostat a few degrees lower and reach for a cozy sweater (or two!). Even a slight reduction in temperature can make a noticeable difference in your energy costs. Plus, wearing layers is an easy low-cost way to keep comfortable without straining your heating system.
You can also request professional thermostat repair services if you suspect your thermostat might be malfunctioning.
It is “sweater season for a reason”—layer up instead of turning up!
2. Ignoring Drafts and Poor Insulation
Drafty windows, doors, and poor insulation are like leaving a window open all winter. The warmth you’re paying for leaks right out forcing your furnace to work harder to keep the house comfortable.
Over time, these small leaks add up making your heating bills soar as your system struggles to keep up.
To avoid the above, seal up drafts with weatherstripping on doors and windows, invest in heavy curtains to trap warmth, and consider adding insulation in areas where it’s lacking. Each of these steps will help keep the heat where it belongs—inside your home.
Though it requires a bit of an investment, proper sealing and insulation can save more in heating costs than you might think paying off over time.
Don’t let your heat “ghost” you this winter—seal up those sneaky leaks!
3. Not Using a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
If you’re heating your home while everyone’s at work or asleep, you’re likely burning energy unnecessarily. A programmable or smart thermostat can make your heating routine much more efficient by automatically adjusting temperatures based on when you actually need the warmth.
Set your thermostat to lower temperatures for hours when no one’s home or overnight, and schedule it to warm things up just before you wake up or come back. This way, you’re only paying for heat when you need it saving on energy costs.
Give your thermostat a little “smarts” and watch it do the heavy lifting—saving you money while you sleep!
4. Skipping Furnace Maintenance
Just like a car, a furnace needs regular maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. Over time, clogged filters, dirty burners, or worn-out parts force it to work harder, which spikes energy consumption and drives up your bills. Without regular tune-ups, your furnace may be wasting energy and straining itself unnecessarily.
Schedule annual furnace maintenance, replace filters regularly and ensure your system is running at peak efficiency. This keeps your furnace in good shape and cuts down on costly energy use.
A well-maintained furnace not only lowers heating bills but also extends its lifespan, saving you from future repairs and replacements.
Don’t let your furnace be the “drama queen” of your home—keep it in check with regular maintenance!
5. Heating Unused Rooms
Heating empty rooms is like paying for guests that never show up. If you’re not using certain rooms, your furnace doesn’t need to waste energy heating them. Redirecting warm air to the spaces you use can reduce energy use and make your home more comfortable.
Close doors to unused rooms and seal off vents in those spaces. This helps your furnace work more efficiently, focusing its heat output where it’s needed most.
Unless you’re hosting invisible guests keep that warm air focused on the rooms that count!
6. Forgetting About Humidity Levels
Dry winter air feels colder, which often prompts us to crank up the heat. However, maintaining balanced indoor humidity can make lower temperatures feel warmer allowing you to keep your thermostat dialed down while staying comfortable. Higher humidity keeps the air feeling warmer giving you a cozier home without extra heating.
Install a humidifier to add moisture to the air. This small change can make a big difference in comfort reducing the need for high heating.
Aim for indoor humidity between 30-50%—it’s the “sweet spot” for comfort and energy efficiency.
Humidity is the unsung hero of “feeling warm and fuzzy” without burning extra cash.
Lesson — Save Money Without Sacrificing Warmth
Keeping your home cozy in Edmonton’s winter doesn’t have to mean sky-high heating bills. From sealing up drafts to setting up a smart thermostat, a few small adjustments can go a long way in making your heating more efficient and reducing costs.
Simply by focusing on areas like insulation, humidity, and regular furnace maintenance, you can keep the chill out without breaking the bank.
Ready to optimize your heating for Edmonton’s winter? Contact Nor-Can Heating and Air, your trusted HVAC contractor in Edmonton, for expert advice and furnace maintenance services that help you stay warm all season long—without the high bills! Learn more about us.
