There are many ways to guarantee a high utility bill in the winter. In the past, we’ve provided tips on how to reduce your energy bill. Now, for fun, we’ll touch on how you can ensure that your utility bills are ridiculously high. No one wants to spend more money than they have to, especially on necessities. Are you doing any of these things?
6 Ways to Guarantee a High Utility Bill
Don’t replace an old, inefficient system.
Home heating technology makes advancements almost every year that make a system run more smoothly and cost-efficiently. If your system is 10 years old or more, start identifying local HVAC companies who can provide you with an honest estimate for replacing your system. We created a free downloadable guide for you here.
Keep that dirty filter.
A clogged filter prevents air from flowing freely, meaning it takes more energy (electricity) to push the same amount of air through. Want high energy bills? Keep using the same filter for longer than recommended.
Use a system that isn’t a heat pump.
A heat pump system is the most efficient way to heat your home. If you’re using oil or straight electric heat, you’re spending a lot of money on utility bills that could be spent on other things.
Leave your windows and doors wide open.
Not having storm windows/doors, or leaving leaks around your windows and doors are essentially the same thing as leaving them wide open. You are releasing that conditioned air and paying to heat the great outdoors.
Crank up the heat.
When your system seems to be struggling, go ahead and turn up the thermostat without a second thought. This ignores any potential problem with your system and forces it to work harder to make you comfortable. The utility company will thank you for it.
Close all the vents to unused rooms on your ducted system.
Try to choke all the airflow from your system by closing off the vents to areas where you rarely spend time. This way your system will be unable to get the proper airflow it needs to work efficiently.
Conclusion
A high utility bill means you’re paying money that doesn’t need to be spent. Our technicians are certified and trained to spot key issues with your system that might be the cause of high bills. Have you had your system serviced recently? Give us a call at 301-663-0300 or book an appointment to get it checked.
