Energy Bills Could Be Even Higher in Fall Than in Summer: 6 Ways To Save

Largely because of heavy A/C usage, many of us associate summer with high energy bills. We’re not wrong; energy bills do soar in the summer, especially in recent years with record-breaking heat. But one thing we may not realize is that energy bills can be even higher in the fall and winter when the weather significantly cools down, which could lead to budget -busting.

Read Next: 9 Easiest Ways To Maximize Your Savings in 2024

Find Out: 9 Things the Middle Class Should Consider Downsizing To Save on Monthly Expenses

Energy bills go up in cooler months for a few reasons. First, people tend to spend more time in their homes when it’s chilly out. While staying home, they may break out energy-sucking devices like space heaters and electric blankets. But most significantly, people rely heavily on their heating systems, which, interestingly, are generally not as efficiently designed as cooling systems.

“Air conditioning technology has improved in efficiency over the years, but the systems most use are all generally based on the same technology and are electric based,” said Grant Gallagher, head of financial wellbeing and brand communications at Affinity Federal Credit Union . “This is not the case when it comes to heating, and there are many different types of heating systems, all with different benefits and downsides.”

Additionally because heat rises, it can be more difficult to keep your entire house warm, particularly if you have a two-story or more home.

How can you save money on energy bills in the fall and into the winter? Gallagher provided six expert tips .

Money mistakes the super wealthy never make - that you might be doing now.

Create a Fall/Winter Utility Budget

You may already abide by a budget that includes the average cost of utilities. But you should really hone in on this branch of your budget. Take inventory of past energy usage during the cooler months to be financially prepared.

“Look for any surprises you faced last year and plan for them in advance,” Gallagher said, adding that you should ask yourself the following questions.

• Were any months unusually cold that might lead to a higher heating bill?
• Was there any maintenance you needed to pay for?
• Has the cost of oil, gas, etc. increased in price since last time you ran your heating system?

Be Aware: I’m a Financial Advisor: 5 Things the Middle Class Wastes Money On

Find and Insulate ‘Cold Spots’

Do you have a room or space in your home with a draft or “cold spot”? It’s cost-effective to address such issues now before temperatures substantially dip.

“The better you can insulate and prevent heat loss in the winter, the less your heating system will need to run, and the less it will cost you,” Gallagher said.

Keep Up With System Maintenance

Just as you need to keep your car regularly maintained, you need to keep your heating system and other energy-using devices well maintained. Don’t wait for a problem.

“System maintenance can make a big difference in your home heating bills,” Gallagher said. “Any sort of inefficiency will result in more fuel used and larger bills. This can be painful to pay for upfront, but it will pay off with months of more efficient heating system run time.”

Gallagher added that routine maintenance is also the best way to catch failing parts in your heating system and allow for preventative repairs.

“This is key to avoiding expensive emergency service calls,” Gallagher said. “Heating systems somehow have a hidden talent of breaking down the night before holidays, leading to emergency service calls on Christmas Eve when it’s five degrees outside.”

Consider Getting a New Heating System If Yours Could Soon Conk Out

If you have an older heating system that is indicating it’s on its way out, it’s best to invest in a new one sooner than later. Consider embracing new, more energy-efficient technology.

“You may be able to benefit from swapping it out before it gets too cold and upgrading to improvements to heating technology that has become more affordable over the past 20 years,” Gallagher said. “Older natural gas furnaces were commonly 80% efficient, but 90%+ efficient furnaces have come down in cost and are quite common.”

Consider Heat Pumps

Another potentially highly cost-effective way to go is heat pumps, which are widely available.

“They are transferring heat from outside of your house, instead of creating heat through combustion,” Gallagher said.

“Since heat pumps run on electricity, those who already have solar electricity systems and central air may be able to upgrade part of their system to include a heat pump and save on their heating just as they do with their air conditioning.”

Look Into Budget Billing Plans With Your Utility Provider

Keep in mind that you can — and should — look into budget billing plans through your utility provider.

“These plans will spread projected annual costs into 12 balanced monthly payments,” Gallagher said. “This will likely mean higher bills in moderate temperature season months, but can give you a massive boost to your financial wellbeing by giving you a more predictable bill and budget year-round.”

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : Energy Bills Could Be Even Higher in Fall Than in Summer: 6 Ways To Save