Winter in the Central Valley can bring chilly mornings and frosty nights, and for many homeowners, that also means one thing—higher heating bills. If you’ve opened your utility statement recently and felt a shock, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in Fresno, Clovis, and surrounding areas struggle with rising energy costs during the colder months. But before you chalk it up to inflation or utility rate hikes, it’s important to consider what might be happening inside your own home.
At Allbritten, we know that high heating bills are often the result of specific, fixable issues. Whether it’s an aging furnace, poor insulation, or simple thermostat misuse, there are clear reasons why your costs are climbing—and practical solutions to bring them back down.
Let’s take a closer look at the common causes of high heating bills and what you can do to fix them.
Common Reasons Why Your Heating Bills Are Too High
There are several key factors that could be driving up your energy costs. Identifying the problem is the first step to restoring both your home comfort and your wallet.
Inefficient or Aging Furnace
If your furnace is 15–20 years old or more, it likely operates at a much lower efficiency than newer models. As systems age, they lose their ability to heat efficiently, forcing them to run longer to keep your home warm—especially during peak usage hours. That increased runtime means more energy consumption and higher bills.
Lack of Regular Maintenance
A dirty filter, clogged blower, or unlubricated parts can all force your system to work harder than necessary. Without routine furnace tune-ups, even a newer system can struggle with performance, wasting energy and driving up costs unnecessarily.
Leaky or Poorly Sealed Ductwork
Your HVAC system relies on ductwork to move heated air throughout your home. If your ducts are leaking, poorly sealed, or improperly insulated, you could be losing up to 30% of your heated air before it even reaches your living spaces.
Incorrect Thermostat Usage
Constantly adjusting your thermostat or keeping it set too high can significantly increase your energy use. Many homeowners unintentionally spike their bills by overheating their homes or forgetting to adjust settings while away.
Poor Home Insulation
If your walls, attic, or windows are not well insulated, your home loses heat quickly. This causes your furnace to cycle on more frequently, burning more fuel or electricity than necessary just to maintain comfort.
Drafty Windows and Doors
Small air leaks around windows, doors, and even electrical outlets can let cold air in and warm air out. These drafts force your heating system to compensate, often leading to higher energy bills with little actual benefit to comfort.
Blocked or Dirty Air Vents
When your home’s air vents are blocked by furniture, rugs, or debris—or if they’re coated in dust—it can obstruct airflow. This prevents even heating and forces your system to run longer to heat the whole home effectively.
Running an Oversized or Undersized System
If your HVAC system is too large or too small for your home, it won’t operate efficiently. Oversized systems cycle on and off too quickly, while undersized systems run constantly. Both scenarios lead to higher energy usage and wear-and-tear.
How to Reduce Heating Costs and Improve Efficiency
The good news? There are proven, practical steps you can take to get your heating bills under control—most of which can be done quickly, affordably, and with long-term benefits.
Schedule a Professional Furnace Tune-Up
Annual maintenance is essential for energy efficiency. An expert technician can clean and inspect your system, replace dirty filters, lubricate moving parts, and ensure safe operation. Allbritten’s NATE-certified technicians will also identify any early signs of trouble before they become expensive repairs.
Consider Upgrading to a High-Efficiency Furnace
Today’s ENERGY STAR®-certified furnaces can operate at up to 98% efficiency, compared to 60–70% for older models. If your current system is more than 15 years old, a new installation could dramatically lower your heating costs—and improve comfort at the same time.
Seal Leaky Ducts and Insulate Them Properly
Have your ductwork inspected and sealed professionally. Allbritten offers duct sealing and insulation services that ensure the heated air you’re paying for reaches every room without loss or leakage.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats help you optimize your heating schedule by learning your habits and adjusting settings automatically. Many models let you control temperatures remotely via smartphone, helping you reduce waste when you’re away from home.
Improve Home Insulation and Weatherproofing
Adding insulation to your attic and walls, and weatherstripping around doors and windows, can significantly reduce heat loss. This means your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard or as long, saving you money every month.
Clean and Unblock Air Vents
Ensure all your vents are free of dust and obstruction. Even airflow improves system performance and comfort, reducing the need for long run times or unnecessary adjustments.
Use Ceiling Fans Strategically
Reversing your ceiling fans in winter helps push warm air down from the ceiling into your living space. This improves comfort and reduces how often your furnace has to kick on.
Close Unused Rooms and Use Zoning When Possible
If you have unused guest rooms or storage spaces, close the doors and vents to those areas. Better yet, consider a zoned HVAC system that allows you to heat specific areas of the home based on use.
Why Choose Allbritten for Your Heating Needs?
At Allbritten, we’ve been serving the Fresno area since 1932, helping homeowners stay comfortable while keeping energy bills manageable. We’re proud to be a trusted name in heating services across the Central Valley, thanks to our customer-first approach and technical expertise.
Our team of NATE-certified technicians is trained to diagnose inefficiencies and recommend smart, tailored solutions—from tune-ups to complete furnace replacements. We don’t offer one-size-fits-all advice. Instead, we take the time to assess your home’s specific heating challenges and provide options that suit your budget and lifestyle.
Plus, we back every job with award-winning service. Allbritten has earned the Carrier President’s Award for 11 consecutive years, and our company culture—“Where Happy Employees Make Happy Customers”—ensures every technician is committed to delivering the best possible experience for you.
Need financing? No problem. We offer flexible payment options for system upgrades, insulation work, and more—so you don’t have to wait to start saving on energy.
Let’s Make Your Home More Efficient—and More Comfortable
If you’re tired of dreading your winter utility bills, it’s time to take action. Whether your furnace needs a tune-up, your ductwork needs sealing, or you’re ready for a high-efficiency upgrade, Allbritten is here to help.
Our team will walk you through your options, explain the pros and cons, and help you make smart decisions that lead to lower bills, better comfort, and long-term peace of mind. Schedule your appointment today with Allbritten and start taking control of your energy costs.
