3 Reasons for High Energy Bills

Here in Ohio, temperatures are dropping rapidly, and soon it will be time to have the furnace running nonstop. Unfortunately, turning on your furnace for the first time of the season usually brings with it higher energy bills. However, if your energy bills seem even higher than usual, there may be some underlying issues. Check out these three reasons for high energy bills from your friends at Allied Services Inc., and determine if your rising energy costs could be remedied.

1. Poor Insulation

Poor insulation is an incredibly common reason for high energy bills. Because the goal is to keep cold air out and warm air in, poor insulation causes heat loss and drafts, and your furnace has to work overtime to compensate. Luckily, there are several simple and inexpensive ways to improve your home’s insulation. Try applying sealant strips around all the exterior doors, use a sealer to patch around the edges of window frames, and check the attic and basement to see if they need more insulation added.

2. Inefficient Furnace

If your furnace is old, poorly maintained, or incorrectly sized, it may be inefficiently heating your house and causing your energy bills to soar. Older model furnaces tend to use around 15% to 20% more energy than recent models, so an upgrade may be necessary to keep those energy bills down. Also, if your furnace wasn’t sized correctly for your house when it was installed, it could be using excess energy. This is why it is so important to work with a professional who can properly size and maintain your furnace.

3. Bad Habits

Finally, your high energy bills might simply be caused by your own bad habits. While it may not seem like a big deal, certain habits like not closing the windows while the furnace is on, covering the radiators, or blocking the heating vents will cost you money. Before running your furnace, walk around the house and make sure the windows are closed and the vents are clear, and encourage your family members to do the same. You wouldn’t want to throw away money over an open window!

If your furnace is outdated, poorly maintained, or incorrectly sized, installing a new one will lower your energy bills significantly. For furnace installation and repairs in the Dayton, Ohio area, contact the experts at Allied Services Inc. today at (937) 269-5059.