For most households in the United States, the largest consumer of energy is their furnace system. However, if winters have been mild, as they are often in Alabama, you may wonder why your heating bills are so high. Below are some possible reasons you're paying too much each month.

Why Your Furnace Costs Too Much to Operate

1. Leaking Ducts

If you have a forced-air system, you may be wasting heat energy that's escaping from the ducts. In a typical household, between 20 and 30% of the heat energy your furnace produces is lost through holes, gaps, and poorly connected ductwork. You can save a bundle by having your ducts inspected and resealed where necessary. 

2. Poor Insulation

Your home may be venting heat out the roof, windows, doors, and walls. You can improve the R-value (a measure of insulation quality) by taking a few steps. Seal drafty windows with caulk. Consider upgrading to multi-pane windows, which have two panes of glass sandwiching a dead zone of inert gas. This slows down heat loss through the windows. 

Also, add weatherstripping to the bottom, top, and sides of exterior doors to prevent warm air from leaking out. Add insulation to the attic to keep hot air from rising out of the home on chilly nights. 

3. An Inefficient Furnace

Your furnace may be old, worn out, and inefficient. These appliances typically last 20 to 25 years before they fail, but during that time they suffer significant losses in efficiency and parts start to wear out. The thermostat also won't measure temperatures accurately. Gas jets get clogged, and dust accumulates inside the furnace, including on the motor and fan blades. 

All of these factors cause the appliance to work harder than it should and cost you extra money. Have your furnace cleaned, inspected, and serviced every year to make sure it's running properly.

If you suspect an inefficient furnace is the cause of your high utility bills, contact Superior Gas in Roanoke, AL, for repairs or replacement. They have been in business since 1948, so they have decades of experience troubleshooting problems and providing exceptional service. They also service and install water heaters, gas fireplaces, and propane tanks, in addition to providing reliable propane delivery. Learn more about them on their website, or call (256) 396-2428 to schedule furnace service.