If you’re a homeowner in Downriver Michigan, you know that winter here can be absolutely brutal. The snow, the ice, the cold temperatures—it’s enough to make anyone want to stay indoors where it’s nice, comfortable, and warm. And that’s exactly what your home’s furnace in Downriver Michigan is there for! But if you’ve noticed your energy bills going up lately, you might be wondering why your furnace is using so much energy and more importantly, what you can do about it. Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons.
Dealing with High Energy Bills and The Impact Your Home’s Furnace Has on it
One of the most common reasons that your furnace might be using more energy than usual is because it’s simply not operating as efficiently as it used to. Over time, furnaces can develop problems that cause them to use more energy in order to heat your home—and that means higher energy bills for you. If this is happening in your home, there may be options available to help. Take a look at some of these factors that may influence your energy costs:
Your furnace is running non-stop to keep your home warm
If your furnace is running all day and all night, it’s going to use a lot of energy. One way to combat this is to make sure that your home is well insulated and that there are no drafts. You can also invest in a programmable thermostat so that you can set your furnace to only run when you need it to. Allow the furnace to catch up rather than locking it to the highest setting possible.
Your furnace air filter is dirty
Your furnace has to work harder when the filter is dirty because it has to pull air through the filter rather than directly through the vents. As a result, your furnace uses more energy and your home doesn’t get heated as efficiently as it could be. Make sure to check and replace your furnace filter regularly! In fact, it’s best to get an annual inspection on your furnace and AC unit which usually includes changing the air filters and cleaning the system.
Your blower motor is running constantly and sometimes blows cold air
The blower motor is responsible for circulating air throughout your home and can be controlled by the thermostat. If it’s running constantly, it could be an indication that there’s something wrong with the motor itself or with one of the sensors that tell the motor when to turn on and off. This is something that you’ll want to have looked at by a professional. You may also have the fan setting on the thermostat set to ‘on’ rather than ‘auto’ which will cause this problem. It can have a huge impact on energy costs as well.
You have an old, outdated furnace installed in your home
If your furnace is more than 10 years old, it might be time for an upgrade even if it seems to be working correctly. Newer furnaces are much more efficient than older models and it gets better each and every year, so you could see a significant decrease in your energy usage (and bill!) by upgrading to a new model furnace for your home. Be sure to check the energy ratings when deciding on a new furnace for your home.
If you’re noticing that your energy bills are higher than usual, there are a few possible explanations and they may be the culprit. First, take a look at how often your furnace is running and make sure that your home is well insulated and draft-free. Next, check your furnace filter and replace it if necessary; a clean filter will help your furnace run more efficiently. Finally, consider whether you might need a new furnace; newer models are much more energy-efficient than older ones, so upgrading could save you money in the long run. If all else fails, call a professional such as Superior Comfort Heating and Cooling in Downriver Michigan; they’ll be able to troubleshoot any problems with your furnace and get it running efficiently again in no time! Call them today at 734-818-7141 to get a free quote on new furnace installation for your hone.
