Need to know how much gas heating costs per month? We’ll help you out.
We’re heading into the peak heating season! That means that your gas furnace, as well as your budget, may be struggling to keep up with new demands. For budgeting purposes, it’s important to have an idea of what your gas heating costs are per month, but that can be tricky.
It’s hard to give an exact figure for how much gas heating costs per month. BUT, we can help you figure out what goes into determining those costs. Prices for gas heating vary according to how many appliances you have in your home (that require gas), the size of your home, the efficiency of your gas furnace, local utility rates in your area and more…that’s a lot of variables.
Here’s a breakdown on how each factor will increase, or lower, your monthly gas heating expenses.
- Size of your home. Like your electricity and water bill, the size of your home is going to affect how much your gas bills run. If you have a bigger home, there is more square footage to heat during the winter.
- Having a big family. This can go one of two ways… If you have more people they could be fiddling with the thermostat more (different preferences for different bodies). This can drive up utility costs. BUT, it can also be a perk. More people in a home actually can make a home feel warmer.
- Having a small family. Again, this can go one of two ways. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can create a schedule that results in lower temperatures during the day while people are out of the house (it’s easier to coordinate schedules when there are fewer people). But, fewer people in the house will make it feel cooler.
- Utility rates. Prices for natural gas will vary according to the provider in your area. Make sure you contact your local providers to get an idea of the rates in your area. They may even have this available on their website.
- Efficiency of your gas furnace. While high-efficiency gas furnaces are more expensive to install, they can actually help you save money each month on your utility bills. That’s definitely a BIG perk.
- Age of your gas furnace. The older your system, the less efficient it may be. The less efficient your gas furnace is, the higher your utility bills are going to be. That’s why it can be a good idea to replace those old units.
- Did you have your unit maintained? Fall preventative furnace maintenance can help catch problems that could be raising your bills. Make sure you schedule maintenance with your local HVAC dealer every fall to make sure your unit is performing at peak levels.
- Furnace filters. A dirty air filter can actually lower the efficiency of your system. Make sure you are regularly changing your furnace filter.
- Weatherizing for winter. Make sure that every year, you weatherize your home. This includes reinsulating problem areas, using weather stripping to block off any air leaks around windows and doors, and more! Air leaks can be a major source of heating cost spikes in winter.
And this is just the surface! So, when you are frustrated because you can’t find an exact dollar amount, this is why. There is such a huge variance because everyone’s situation is unique.
Even if you aren’t new to your home and aren’t budgeting, this can be good information to know. If you see a spike in your heating bills, and you don’t know why – it could be cause of one of these factors.
Are you considering a high-efficiency gas furnace to lower gas heating costs per month?
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Replacing your gas furnace? You may want to think about replacing that air conditioner while you’re at it.
Earlier this week, we explored what you should know when you replace your gas furnace. But, did you know that it can also be a good idea to replace your air conditioner while you’re at it? Planning ahead is always best practice – particularly when it comes to home comfort. You don’t want to be “left in the heat” without an air conditioner when spring and summer roll around.
Here are a few reasons why the fall can be the ideal time to replace your air conditioner.
- Not in use. For most areas of the country, your air conditioner is not being used during the fall. It’s better to go ahead and replace that old system before it’s needed. This way, you won’t have any days where you’re suffering without air conditioning.
- Matched systems. For those of you who are replacing your gas furnace, it’s a good idea to look at your cooling equipment anyway. Indoor and outdoor components of a split system must be matched in order to enjoy the best efficiency and performance possible.
- Deals! Because fewer air conditioners are installed during the fall, you may find that you can get a deal through your contractor on a brand-new air conditioner. HOWEVER, make sure you talk to your local HVAC contractor and make sure this is the case. Get a few quotes to be sure you are getting a good combination of quality and affordability.
Are you going to replace your air conditioner any time soon?
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Have you considered a heat pump?
So, we’ve already explored the idea that heat pumps and air conditioners are really not all that different. When it comes down to basic engineering, there are only a few differences between the two units. However, having a heat pump can dramatically reduce utility bills and ramp up home comfort in some areas.
As a refresher, this is how a heat pump works. When in cooling mode, the heat pump transfers heat from your indoor air and releases it into your outdoor air. In heating mode, the heat pump does the opposite. It transfers heat from the outside air and releases it into your indoor air. This is a bare bones explanation, but you get the idea.
So…how is this more efficient? It gets REALLLY cold where I live and I don’t think the heat pump can cut it.
You may think it’s harder for a heat pump to extract heat from the outdoor air when temperatures are low, but they actually can be quite efficient down to a certain point (think 20F). When temperatures drop below this, you will have to resort to some sort of backup heat that actually CREATES heat – like a gas furnace or electric heat strips. Heat transfer is typically more energy efficient than heat creation. That’s why you can save more money (particularly if natural gas prices are high in your area or if you don’t need as much heating power). Heck, in some areas of the country, you may even be able to substitute your old gas furnace/air conditioner setup for a single heat pump – just ask your contractor for a recommendation.
But, what if it doesn’t heat my home quickly enough? Will I still get the old comfort levels I had before?
Worried about comfort? Although it may take a teensy bit longer for your home to reach temperature at the start, this shouldn’t be a problem. Your home will enjoy steadier, consistent comfort levels (especially if your heat pump is variable speed or operates in multiple stages). This is unlike the hot blasts of air that can sometimes be typical of a gas furnace. As long as you are not constantly adjusting your thermostat, you should have nothing to worry about.
Have any more questions about heat pumps? Let us know in the comments.
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Welcome to fall!
Fall is finally here! Hot summer temperatures are on the way out and cool, fall breezes are making an appearance. This is good news for your air conditioner. Reduced cooling demand can mean a lower electric bill and more money to spend on Halloween costumes, spooky decorations and tons of candy.
That doesn’t mean that you should neglect your heating and cooling equipment. Here are some things you should make sure to do during the fall so that your bills stay as low as possible and your equipment stays as healthy as possible.
- Clear leaves away from your air conditioner or heat pump.
- Turn off your equipment during thunderstorms.
- Change your furnace filter to avoid build up.
- Open vents to ensure maximum airflow.
- If you open windows, keep your indoor surfaces clean to avoid allergen buildups.
- Avoid the temptation to fiddle with your thermostat. Keep your schedule or temperature setting consistent.
- Schedule preventative maintenance before the winter heating season. It’s Murphy’s Law: your gas furnace is only going to fail when you need it most.
It can also be a good time to start considering a new gas furnace if your old one is over 20 years old. A new gas furnace can lower the amount of gas it takes to heat your home, in turn lowering your heating bills.
So, what are you looking forward to most during the fall?
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How does a programmable thermostat help save you money?
Last week we touched on the definition of a programmable thermostat and we briefly discussed how a programmable thermostat can help you save money. BUT, just how do those savings translate? Let us show you.
Let’s take the average home in the Midwest.
Say the average cost to run your air conditioner each month is $120*. Per year, that meals you’ll spend approximately $1,440 cooling your home. Shocking figure, right? Well, the Department of Energy says that by using a programmable thermostat, you can save approximately 5-15% on cooling costs each year.
This would translate to $72 (on the low side) and $216 (on the high side).
But that’s not the only place you’ll see savings. Now, you have to figure out the average cost to heat a home per year. Say the average cost to heat your home is $75* a month. This translates to $900 in heating costs per year.
So, on the heating side, this means you could save anywhere from $45 to $135 per year on heating costs.
Altogether, that’s a range of savings from $117 to $351 per year!
With $350 you could by an Apple Watch, a 10-person family tent, a new TV and more!
This is without even figuring in other system features (like variable-speed operation, multiple-stages of heating or cooling, zoning, efficient, etc.). Combine a programmable thermostat with an ultra-high efficiency heating and air conditioning system and whole-house zoning and you’ll enjoy rock-bottom utility costs year round!
Do you have a programmable thermostat? If so, have you noticed reduced utility bill savings?
*Figures based on the average cost to run an air conditioner and a gas furnace per month. Actual costs will vary depending on the type of system you have, where you live and more.
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Tricks for saving money when you have people over
Labor Day is just a few days away! It’s time to kick back, relax and appreciate all the work that everyone does year round. Labor Day can also mean get-togethers with family and friends. Did you know that having more people in your home can actually raise the temperature of your home, make your air conditioner work harder maintaining temperature and ultimately, raise your utility spending?
Here are some things you can do to have the best of both worlds – entertain without busting the budget.
- Move the party outside. Hey! It’s Labor Day. Hopefully the temperatures in your area are on the decline. If not, find a shady spot and spend time with company outside. Or, move the party to a time of day where the sun is not quite so intense. Yes, in some areas, this is not realistic. But, if the temperatures are reasonable, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy the fresh air.
- Use the grill not the stove. Grilling is a good idea for any summer gathering. The oven can heat up your home and make your air conditioner work extra hard.
- Avoid opening and shutting exterior doors and windows. Don’t let your cool air escape outside. Constantly opening and closing the doors can make it harder for your home to reach
temperature. So, if you are having an outdoor gathering, make sure that people aren’t constantly going in and out. While you can’t necessarily post a bouncer at your door, it’s good to be aware.
- Lower the humidity level in your home. If you have a whole-home dehumidification system, lower the humidity setting. A home that is more humid actually feels hotter than a drier home. With a humidity adjustment, you can maintain comfort without fiddling with the temperature.
Of course, these are only a few ideas. What are your tricks for keeping your home cool during a gathering like Labor Day?
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How does a programmable thermostat work?
Are you trying to find the BEST way to save energy? While investing in efficiency is always a safe bet, there are additional things you can buy that can help you save even MORE energy – like a programmable thermostat.
First, a little something about thermostats. Essentially, a thermostat is what you use to control your heating and air conditioning system. There are different thermostats that are compatible with different systems. For example, if you have a two-stage heating and air conditioning system, you are going to want to invest in a two-stage thermostat to get expected comfort and efficiency.
Now, a programmable thermostat is an extra something special. These models still are compatible with different equipment, BUT you can use them to schedule your heating and cooling equipment to run at different temperatures during different times of the day or different days of the week.
So, for example, say it is summer and you go to work from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During that time, you can raise the temperature. This way, you can avoid wasting energy dollars cooling a vacant home. Worried about your home being too hot by the time you get home? DON’T! You can program the thermostat to kick on at a lower temperature about a half hour before you are scheduled to get home. This way, you won’t miss a minute of optimal comfort!
There are also programmable thermostat models that will make sure that your house is comfortable BEFORE you get home. If you set the programmable thermostat to adjust to a cooler temperature at 5:00 PM, it will tell the unit to start cooling at 4:30 PM. This way, your home is at the exact temperature you want at the exact time you want.
Tell us, do you have a programmable thermostat in your home? How do you use it to save energy?
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Saving energy while enjoying your air conditioning system
There’s still a full month until fall and the summer’s heat is not letting up! With higher temperatures comes, of course, higher electricity bills. Did you know that your heating and air conditioning equipment actually comprises most of your utility costs? That’s why we always preach investing in the most efficient air conditioning you can afford.
While you can’t necessarily avoid a spike in electricity spending when temperatures are higher, there are some indoor activities you can do that won’t raise your bills. But, they can still keep you entertained on those hot days.
- Read. Flip open a book instead of flipping on the television.
- Experiment with the crock pot. Let those yummy smells perfume your home all day. Crock pots use less energy than a stove AND don’t heat up your home.
- Break out Risk or Monopoly. Instead of overworking that PlayStation or X-Box, play with a deck of cards or break out a board game.
- Coloring books. Sometimes something simple, like a coloring book, can be a great change from apps and TV programs. It’s a great activity for the kids.
And that’s just the surface. There are so many things you can do indoors to help beat the heat and save energy. You can also make your air conditioner’s job easier and lower utility bills by spending some time outdoors. If you add fans and shade a spot outdoors, you can create an extra living space.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a hot day?
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Head to the great outdoors to save on cooling expenses
We’ve rolled into August and it’s still hot, hot, hot! Yes, it’s very tempting to “batten down the hatches” so to speak and retreat indoors for the entire season. But, it’s actually a good idea (for your wallet) to step away from the air conditioning and enjoy the outdoors.
So, why should you take the time to enjoy the outdoors during the summer?
- More people = a hotter home. When it comes to how hard your air conditioner has to work, don’t discount body heat. The more people there are in your home, the higher the resting temperature of your home and the more energy it takes your air conditioner to cool your home.
- Using things, like your stove, can raise the temperature in your home. A stove, whether electric or gas, can really heat up your home. The hotter your home, the harder your air conditioner has to work to cool it down. Use your grill every once in a while to give your air conditioner a break.
- If you’re outside, you can turn off the lights. This may seem like a no-brainer, but every little bit helps.
- You can raise your thermostat temperature setting. While we don’t encourage constant tampering with your thermostat, raising the setting a few degrees can actually help you save money without sacrificing comfort. Plus, when you’re sitting outside in 90°F weather, 78°F (for example) is going to feel that much cooler.
Of course, there are things you need to do when you do go outside to make sure that you can enjoy the money-saving benefits while staying safe in the heat. Make sure that you keep hydrated, have all windows and doors closed, and make sure that people aren’t constantly entering or exiting the house.
What’s your favorite thing to do outside during the summer?
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Air conditioner not working? Your HVAC contractor still matters.
Oh no! It happens… your air conditioner stops working during the hottest time of the year. Yes, it is tempting to go with the person who has the first availability or offers the lowest price, but this could end up costing you more money AND time without air conditioning in the future. Here’s a refresher on the things you should look for in the right air conditioning contractor.
- Check out references. It’s hard to run from negative reviews. Get references, check out online review platforms and select a contractor who has a positive history with customers.
- Don’t just go with the contractor who offers the lowest price. It takes a lot of overhead costs to run a reputable heating and air conditioning business. These costs may be reflected in the amount of money you have to pay for their services. Just remember, many times more money upfront means less money down the road.
- Make sure they service your equipment. Different brands require different training. Make sure you find the contractor who works on the brand you have in your home or would like in your home.
This is what you should do at the bare minimum. Review sites, like Angie’s List, offer a great resource for homeowners looking for the right contractor. You may have to pay a small fee to see the reviews, but it will be well worth it when your air conditioner kicks back on.
So, tell me, where do you go for online reviews?