How To Keep Your Home Warm Without Sky-High Energy Bills

Even though winter is relatively mild in Eugene and Springfield, OR, the air can still feel quite chilly indoors. However, cranking up the heat can significantly add to your energy costs.

Fortunately, a few key steps can help Oregon homeowners stay warm without dealing with excessive energy expenses. By learning how to lower heating bills in Eugene and the surrounding areas, you can save on utility costs, reduce the wear on your heating system, and keep your family comfortable throughout the year.

Why Heating Bills Are So High in the Eugene and Springfield Area

For people who live in Lane County, high energy bills are fairly common because of a few key factors. The area’s long, damp winters might not involve extremely cold temperatures, but the humidity makes it feel colder. Humid air holds less heat, making the air feel clammy and cool.

Additionally, many older homes have poor insulation and inefficient or aging heating systems. This means the heating system has to work longer to heat your home. However, some of the heat produced leaks out through the inadequate insulation.

Even when you have an energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and a well-insulated home, the local utility provider may be working against you. Many providers, such as Eugene Water & Electric Board, are increasing utility rates, resulting in higher bills for local customers.

The Most Common Heating Mistakes That Drive Up Energy Costs

When it comes to heating efficiency, there are a few common mistakes that could be costing you money.

• Skipping Maintenance: Routine maintenance helps to maximize HVAC efficiency, so missed tune-ups can add to your energy costs.
• Dirty Air Filters: When air filters are clogged, the HVAC system has to work harder to push air through the filter. It takes longer to reach the same temperature, resulting in higher energy bills and more wear on your system.
• Constant Thermostat Changes: Each time you switch the thermostat, the unit has to kick on and off. This uses up added energy and can lead to premature repairs. 
• Closing Vents: When vents are closed or blocked, it restricts airflow and changes the pressure levels in your ductwork. In turn, this causes your HVAC system to work harder and use more energy.
• Using Space Heaters Incorrectly: Space heaters aren’t meant to be an ongoing or sole source of heat. They are incredibly inefficient, so the regular use of space heaters can significantly add to your energy bills.

10 Proven Ways To Lower Your Heating Bill This Winter

If you are struggling to find out how to lower heating bills in Springfield, there are several effective winter heating tips that can help. Combined, these tips can result in significant savings on your monthly utility bills.

1. Schedule a Professional Heating Tune-Up

HVAC tune-ups boost efficiency by improving airflow and reducing wear on components. For example, heat pumps rely on refrigerants to transfer heat. During a tune-up, the refrigerant levels can be recharged so that the unit transfers heat efficiently and doesn’t have to work as hard.

To maximize your furnace and heat pump efficiency, the HVAC technician will perform the following tasks during your heating tune-up.

• Remove dust and grime from the unit.
• Clean the burners.
• Inspect wires and tighten electrical connections.
• Check for cracks in the heat exchanger.
• Test for optimal performance and airflow.

2. Replace Your Air Filter Regularly

A dirty air filter blocks airflow and forces your system to work harder to reach the appropriate temperature. You can avoid this effect by making sure to change or clean your air filter regularly. While each manufacturer has slightly different specifications, you should generally do this maintenance task every 30 to 90 days. During periods of peak use, the filter should be replaced more frequently.

3. Upgrade to a Smart or Programmable Thermostat

On average, switching to an ENERGY STAR thermostat can save you 8% per year on heating and cooling costs. Smart and programmable thermostats can adjust to your habits. Rather than heat your home all the time, they can automatically increase or decrease the temperature based on whether someone is at home. In turn, this can save you a significant amount on your energy bills.

4. Seal Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows

Air leaks are often found around doors and windows. Once heat is allowed to escape, your HVAC system has to kick on again to replace the lost heat. By using caulk to seal these areas, you can prevent one source of heat loss.

5. Use Ceiling Fans to Push Warm Air Down

Ceiling fan blades are designed to switch direction depending on the time of the year. During the winter, they should be pushing the air downward so that warm air gently circulates in the room instead of rising to the ceiling.

6. Keep Vents Clear and Doors Open

For the maximum heat pump and furnace efficiency, you need to keep your vents open and unobstructed. When vents are blocked, it changes the pressure in the system and prevents proper airflow. 

7. Improve Insulation in Key Areas

Heat transfer always moves from warmer places to colder places. During the winter, this means that the heat in your home is lost to the outdoor air. Fortunately, you can slow down this transfer rate by making sure your home has the right level of insulation. Well-insulated walls, ceilings, and flooring prevent heat from escaping, so you can save on energy bills.

In Lane County, insulation must meet the following R-value standards for different parts of your home.

• Wall Insulation (Above Grade): R-21
• Wall Insulation (Below Grade): R-15
• Vaulted Ceilings: R-30
• Flat Ceilings: R-49
• Underfloors: R-30

8. Lower Your Thermostat by 1 to 2 Degrees

If you lower your thermostat by 7°F to 10°F for just eight hours a day, you can reduce heating costs up to 10%. However, the temperature change doesn’t have to be that extreme to make a difference. You can try lowering it when you are at work and then keep your at-home settings a degree or two cooler.

9. Consider a High-Efficiency Heating System

Getting a heat pump or furnace replacement could save you a significant amount on energy costs. Modern heat pumps and furnaces are designed to be quieter and more efficient. In many cases, these units can save up to 20% on your energy costs each month.

10. Get Your Ductwork Inspected and Sealed

As a part of your heating maintenance, it’s a good idea to get your ductwork looked at. When air leaves your HVAC unit, it travels through the ducts to reach each room. Over time, pinholes, gaps, and tears can appear that allow air to escape into your crawlspace or attic. By sealing and repairing your ductwork, you can achieve HVAC energy savings of up to 20%. 

Furnace vs. Heat Pump Efficiency in Oregon Winters

If you’re trying to learn how to lower heating bills in Eugene, the first goal is to review your existing HVAC system. In general, heat pumps will be the most energy-efficient option in our mild, wet climate. For the best balance of heat and efficiency, we recommend a cold-climate heat pump. 

Heat pumps are the clear winners when it comes to energy efficiency. Compared to an electric furnace, a modern heat pump can reduce your energy use by 75%. High-efficiency heat pumps are also excellent at dehumidifying the air, allowing you to achieve the same level of comfort at a lower temperature.

The upfront cost of a furnace or heat pump replacement will be less than converting to a different system. To make the comparison fairer, we’ve compiled the basic price range you can expect to pay for a new furnace or heat pump.

• Furnace: $2,823 to $6,888
• Heat Pump: $4,242 to $7,938

While furnaces cost less upfront, the long-term energy costs can quickly add up. Especially in a mild climate like Eugene, a heat pump is likely the most effective option for heating your home.

When To Repair vs Replace Your Heating System

Even with the best furnace and heat pump maintenance, your HVAC system will eventually need to be replaced. To determine if you need a full replacement or just a simple heating repair, consider the following factors.

• System Age: A typical heat pump lasts around 10 to 15 years, but a high-efficiency heat pump can last 20 to 25 years. Meanwhile, furnaces typically last around 15 to 20 years. Once you start to approach the end of your unit’s lifespan, it is time to consider getting a replacement.
• Repair Frequency: When a unit starts requiring more frequent repairs, it is an indication that it is reaching the end of its lifespan.
• Energy-Efficiency Ratings: Newer, high-efficiency models use significantly less energy than older heat pumps and furnaces. If you have an older model, you can save money on energy costs by upgrading your system.
• Monthly Utility Bill Trends: When utility bills spike without a clear reason, it is a sign your HVAC system is less efficient and may need to be replaced. 

How Much Can You Really Save?

In the United States, the average home spends $995 per year on heating costs. Using some of the statistics we’ve previously discussed, we’ll see how a few changes can impact someone’s heating bill. Keep the following statistics in mind: 

• Switching to a high-efficiency heat pump from an electric furnace can reduce your energy costs by 75%.
• Upgrading your thermostat can lower your heating costs by 8%. 
• Setting the temperature back for 8 hours can lower heating bills by 10%.

Let’s look at two scenarios that explore how these basic changes can play out in real life.

• Sandra and Tim both spend $995 on heating costs each winter, like the rest of the United States. Sandra decides to switch to a high-efficiency heat pump from her electric furnace and reduces her wintertime heating expenses to just $248.75.
• In comparison, Tim decides to invest in a thermostat upgrade and program his temperature so that it is 7°F to 10°F cooler when he is away at work. This reduces his bill by 8% and 10%, respectively. By the end of the winter, Tim paid just $815.90.

Both examples resulted in energy savings, but Sandra saved significantly more than Tim. A high-efficiency heat pump is one of the most effective things you can do to improve your energy efficiency. By adopting other tips as well, you can snowball this effect and enjoy much lower bills each month.

When To Call a Professional Heating Company

Heat pumps and furnaces rarely fail without some type of prior warning. Before an unexpected breakdown, you’ll often notice some of the following signs.

• Unusual noises, such as rattling, banging, or screeching
• Inexplicably high energy bills
• Odd smells
• Reduced performance
• Short cycling
• A yellow, orange, or flickering pilot light on a furnace
• Frozen heat pump coils
• Repeatedly tripped breakers

One of the most important things you can do to avoid unexpected breakdowns is to schedule routine HVAC maintenance. Through our maintenance membership plan, you can get complimentary HVAC tune-ups in the spring and fall. These tune-ups are your opportunity to catch minor issues before they escalate. Additionally, routine maintenance is an effective tool for boosting your energy efficiency and avoiding unexpected breakdowns.

Prepare Your Home for Winter

By being proactive about learning how to lower heating bills in Springfield and Eugene, OR, you can spend less on energy costs, improve your family’s comfort, and prevent premature repairs. Plus, routine maintenance can boost the longevity of your unit.

If you’re looking for HVAC maintenance and repairs in Lane County or the surrounding areas, we can help. 

Schedule a heating tune-up today!