Have you noticed that your heating bills this year are higher than they usually are? Don't automatically assume that the cost of gas has increased and now reflected in your energy bill. It could actually be a problem with your HVAC system not working as it should. Here are some things to consider that are related to your HVAC system that could need attention.
Thermostat Problems
It's possible that the problem is originating with your thermostat, since it is the device that controls how often your furnace turns on and off. Consider the possibility that your thermostat is defective, especially if it is an old one. A common problem you may be running into is a thermostat that is not reading the correct temperature in your home. It may be reporting a lower temperature than what it really is, causing the furnace to turn on more often because it thinks your home is colder. You'll end up spending a lot more on energy that you did not intend to use to heat your home.
Thermostat problems may also be related to poor scheduling. If you have a smart thermostat that is supposed to learn your behaviors, it may have created a schedule based on how other people in the home are increasing the temperature on the thermostat. While you may have set the heat to 68 degrees, other people in your home have trained the thermostat to increase to 75 degrees.
Dirty Air Filters
Believe it or not, a dirty air filter can cause an HVAC system to run longer than necessary to heat your home. That main pathway for all of the air to flow through will be blocked with debris in the filter, causing the system to work harder than it has to in order to push the air through. Try swapping out the filter with a new one if it has been a long time, and stay more on top of changing the filter regularly.
Broken Furnace
It is a good idea to have your furnace inspected for damage that you wouldn't normally be able to identify on your own. They'll check components, make sure that the furnace is producing air that is warm enough, clean the inside of the unit, and replace parts that are on the verge of breaking down. Reach out to a local HVAC service, such as Barnetts Heating & Air Conditioning, to schedule a service call to have your furnace inspected today.
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