shocked at electric bill

Why Is My Heating Bill So High?

There are many reasons why your heating bill might be high, but it's most likely one of the following:

  • Leaks in your ductwork
  • Damaged or poor insulation
  • Broken thermostat
  • Improper furniture placement
  • Insufficient window sealant

We'll dive into all the above and tell you how to fix the problem in the next sections. We'll even let you in on a foolproof way to pay for high heating costs!

Top 5 Reasons Your Heating Bill Is So High

1. Leaks In Your Ductwork

If your home uses a forced-air heating system, ductwork leaks could boost your monthly bill. They should be accessible through the basement or attic, allowing you to diagnose the issue yourself by listening, feeling, and looking for air leaks.

How To Fix It

While you might be inclined to fix leaks in your ductwork yourself, we'd encourage you to hire a professional. Leaky ducts impact the quality of your home's air, damage your HVAC system, and clog your air filters. These problems are harder to self-diagnose, so trust a professional to formally diagnose your entire heating system if you find leaks.

2. Damaged Or Poor Insulation

If your heating bill is consistently very high, it's time to check your house's insulation. Whether in the walls or the attic, insufficient insulation fails to retain the heat you're fighting for.

How To Fix It

The only way to correct this problem is to hire a professional to properly analyze the state of your home's insulation. If it's a case of insufficient insulation, they'll simply add more to the existing padding (which is less expensive).

However, if the insulation is outdated, infested, or wet, they must replace it. While that might be costly, proper insulation can save up to 40% per year on your heating bill, so it's worth it in the long run.

high electric bill due to poor insulation

3. High Thermostat

Thermostats impact your heating bill positively and negatively. It might seem like monitoring it just adds to your daily chores, so your best option is to invest in a SMART thermostat. That way, you can set it once and forget about it.

How To Fix It

If you're willing to turn it down by eight to ten degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day, you can save 10% on your heating bill every year.

4. Improper Furniture Placement

Believe it or not, the way you position your furniture can cost you money! Bookcases, couches, beds, and other large items placed in front of vents or heaters limit airflow, meaning your heating system has to work harder to do its job. Ultimately, that increases your bills.

How to Fix It

In each room, consider your furniture placement. If any items are obstructing vents, move them. That way, the air can flow properly around the room and keep you toasty.

5. Insufficient Window Sealant

Cracks and other gaps around your windows sap the heat from your home, increasing your bill. Check around the seams of all your windows and take note of any improper sealant.

How To Fix It

Thankfully, the problem is easy to fix. Just apply more sealant where needed (be sure to remove the old bits first). If the weather stripping is the problem, it's a good idea to replace it. New strips are relatively inexpensive and wonderfully easy to install.

How To Pay For Your High Heating Bill

High heating bills can come as a shock, leaving you wondering how you're supposed to pay them. While there are many ways to access funding, and one of the easiest is using cash advance loans, such as an Alabama payday loan.

You can receive between $100 and $500 to fund your monthly heating bill with our loans. The in-person process takes just half an hour, and you'll receive the money you need within 48 hours — perfect for when you're running out of time.

To get an Alabama payday loan from us, follow the simple steps below:

  • Complete the online form on this website.
  • Wait for one of our loan representatives from your closest location to give you a call. They'll tell you about the process, discuss the requirements, and answer your questions.
  • Head to your nearest Alabama Title Loans, Inc. storefront with your government-issued photo ID card, social security card, most recent 30-day bank statement, a blank check from an active checking account in your name, and your most recent pay stub.
  • One of our friendly payday loan experts verifies your items and walks you through the final steps of the approval process, including a few simple forms.
  • Once approved, you receive the money you need to pay for your heating bill on the same or following working day.

man happy with cash from payday loan

Get An Alabama Payday Loan Today!

A high heating bill should not be a reason for stress but a challenge to learn to solve financial issues quickly and efficiently. Remember that you have an option to solve your high bill issue with the help of online payday loans in Alabama. We are here to help pay your high heating bill. Get started today by completing the simple request form on our website!

To learn more about handling emergency expenses, read our other financial emergency articles.

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.

 

Daniel Dewitt

Daniel Dewitt is a lifetime blogger with a finely-honed ability to break down, analyze, and interpret economic trends for the layman. He's fiercely invested in spreading financial literacy and helping everyday people gain the tools they need for their own economic success.