It is the second coldest state in America, with an average temperature of around 42 F, right after Alaska, the coldest state, with an average temperature of 30.7 F. 

Creating a warm and inviting home during the colder months is essential in the state of North Dakota. While keeping warm in such temperatures is important, it is also equally important to manage heating costs, as we don’t want to go broke in our pursuit of warmth. Some mistakes that we often unknowingly make can lead to an unwelcome spike in utility bills. By identifying and correcting these bad habits, you can keep your home comfortably heated without unnecessary financial strain.

Not Locking and Sealing Around Windows and Doors

Naturally, during the colder months, we ensure that our windows remain shut. However, it’s important to also check if they are securely locked. Unlocked windows might not close tightly enough, allowing chilly drafts to seep into your cozy space while letting the precious, warm air generated by your heat pump escape. For optimal insulation and energy efficiency, make certain that all your windows are firmly locked throughout the winter season.

In the same way, the warm air can escape through leaks around openings. You should inspect all entry points, including doors, windows, and exterior walls. Identify any spots where cold air infiltrates and warm air slips away, and promptly address these with sealing and caulking. Give particular attention to the basement and attic, as these areas often contribute most to heat loss. By securing these vulnerable spots, you’ll enhance your home’s warmth and efficiency and save a lot on utility bills.

Shutting Off Vents In Unused Rooms

While this might seem like a logical step to reduce heating costs during winter, it can actually do the exact opposite. The intention is to redirect airflow to the spaces you use most, potentially saving on utility bills. However, this well-intentioned action could actually increase energy consumption and raise heating costs.

Heating systems are designed to deliver balanced airflow throughout the entire home. When vents are closed, the system’s balance is disrupted. This imbalance causes the gas furnace to work harder to distribute air through the remaining open vents. In addition, the furnace or heat pump systems use ASHRAE standards for air flow that guarantee proper heating depending on your house’s square feet. When vents are closed, it does not reduce the amount of heat produced. Instead, the system continues to generate the same amount of heat but is now forced to do it within a pressurized, restricted environment. 

Lastly, the illusion of saving money by closing vents is often short-lived. The thermostat senses the drop in temperature caused by the unheated rooms and signals the heating system to activate more frequently. This continuous cycle can cause a spike in energy usage, leading to an uptick in utility bills.

Replace Filters Regularly

Clogged filters can greatly hinder your effort to maintain an energy-efficient home. The filter is the gate through which air passes before circulating throughout your house. When they become clogged with dust, pet dander, and other airborne debris, the consequences for your energy bill can be significant. 

A clean filter will easily let air flow, requiring less energy for your gas furnace to heat your home. In contrast, when a filter is dirty, airflow is obstructed, forcing the system to consume more energy to push air through the filter. This strain not only increases energy consumption but also places undue stress on the system, leading to potential overheating and shutdowns. 

Regular filter replacement is a simple yet often overlooked routine. Homeowners might avoid changing filters due to forgetfulness, a lack of understanding of their importance, or an attempt to save money on maintenance. However, this avoidance is counterproductive. The cost of a new filter pales in comparison to the extra money spent on inflated energy bills caused by inefficient system operation.

Do gas furnaces have filters?

HVAC systems come with a filter, as they are essential in making sure that the air that circulates throughout the home is clean. Of course, there are many grades for filters, such as MERV and HEPA or even UV filters. If you are thinking of upgrading your filter, you have to make sure that the gas furnace you have can handle it, as there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to air filters.

Thermostat Setting – Not Too Low and Not Too High

If you live in North Dakota and you are already paying a lot of money for heating, it is understandable if you want to save some money, and you might think that setting the thermostat very low when you are not home might do just that. Sadly, that would be counterproductive, as setting it too low will force your gas furnace to work overtime in order to get to a comfortable, warm temperature from such a low setting. So in the long run, it will actually cost you more.

Another thermostat-related mistake is trying to heat your house as quickly as possible by cranking up the settings. You should know that cranking it up will not affect how quickly your house will be warm, as it only results in having the furnace work for a longer period of time, thus, a higher energy bill. So we might quote Thanos here when it comes to thermostats, as it should be “perfectly balanced, as all things should be.” Such balance can be obtained by the installation of a modern programmable thermostat.

Last but not least, like everything mechanical and complex, maintenance is one of the key elements to save money. Do not skip regular maintenance, as pushing back a few maintenance checks might save you money in the short run, but the repair bill will keep getting higher the more you neglect maintenance.