High Heating or Cooling Bills? What to Check First

Quick answer

Higher heating or cooling bills often come from a dirty filter, leaky ducts, thermostat settings, backup heat running too often on a heat pump, or a system that needs repair. Check the filter and thermostat first. ENERGY STAR says nearly half of the energy used in a home goes to heating and cooling.

Key facts

Share of home energy	Nearly half goes to heating and cooling (ENERGY STAR)
Duct losses	About 20 to 30 percent of duct air in a typical house (ENERGY STAR)
Airflow problems	Can cut efficiency by up to 15 percent (ENERGY STAR)
Air sealing and insulation	Up to 10 percent savings on annual energy bills (ENERGY STAR)
Filter	Check monthly; change at least every 3 months (ENERGY STAR)

Why is my heating or cooling bill so high?

A higher bill can come from the weather, your rates, or your system. Start by comparing the same month last year. If weather and rates don't explain it, the system or the house may be using more energy than it should.

ENERGY STAR says nearly half of the energy used in a home goes to heating and cooling. So small problems with the system can show up on the bill.

What can I check that might lower my bill?

These 6 checks cost little or nothing and are safe for any homeowner.

1Check the filter every month and change it when it looks dirty, or at least every 3 months, as ENERGY STAR suggests.
2Review thermostat schedules and holds. Make sure it isn't heating or cooling an empty house.
3On a heat pump, pick a steady temperature. ENERGY STAR says heat pumps don't save energy by turning down when you're away or asleep.
4Watch for aux or emergency heat on the thermostat. If it shows often in mild weather, have it checked.
5Make sure vents and returns are open, and the outdoor unit has clear space around it.
6Look for drafts at doors and windows. ENERGY STAR lists weatherstripping doors and caulking windows as simple fixes.

Not sure what's wrong yet?

Start with the safe checks. Many problems are a setting, a breaker, or a filter.

Find your symptom Compare repair vs. replace

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Sources listed for outside facts

What HVAC problems raise energy bills?

ENERGY STAR notes that dirty coils make a system run longer, that too much or too little refrigerant makes it less efficient, and that airflow problems can reduce efficiency by up to 15 percent.

Problem	Why it can raise your bill	Who fixes it
Dirty filter	Slows airflow so the system works harder	You
Leaky ducts	Heated or cooled air escapes into attics, crawlspaces, or garages	Technician
Dirty coils	The system runs longer to heat or cool	Technician
Wrong refrigerant charge	The system runs less efficiently	Certified technician
Heat pump leaning on backup heat	Backup heat often costs more to run	Technician
Short cycling	Frequent starts waste energy and wear parts	Technician
Thermostat settings	Heating or cooling when no one's home	You

Could my ducts or my house be the real cause?

Often, yes: ENERGY STAR says a typical house loses about 20 to 30 percent of the air moving through its ducts to leaks, holes, and poor connections. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve efficiency by as much as 20 percent.

Sealing air leaks and adding insulation can save up to 10 percent on annual energy bills, according to ENERGY STAR. Before buying new equipment, ENERGY STAR advises fixing big air leaks and duct problems first, since they're sometimes the real source.

Do I need a new system to lower my bills?

Not necessarily, since a repair, a tune-up, duct sealing, or better settings may do more for the money. ENERGY STAR suggests having a professional evaluate equipment that's more than 10 years old or not keeping the house comfortable. That means evaluate, not automatically replace.

If replacement would pay off for you, we'll show you why, with both options in writing. Some upgrades may be eligible for Energy Trust of Oregon or Clark Public Utilities heat pump programs. You may qualify — we'll confirm.

When should I have my system checked for high bills?

A technician can check airflow, coils, refrigerant charge, backup heat, and the ducts they can reach, then tell you what's worth fixing. You'll get the price before any work starts. We fix what can be fixed — and tell you straight when it can't.

Bills jumped, and weather and rates don't explain it.
The system runs much longer than it used to.
The heat pump shows aux or emergency heat often.
Some rooms are hard to heat or cool.

Common questions

Why did my electric bill go up with a heat pump?

One common cause is backup heat running more than it should, which often costs more than heat pump heating. Big thermostat setbacks can trigger it, and so can a heat pump problem. Check your settings, then have it looked at if aux heat shows often.

Does a dirty filter really raise my energy bill?

Yes, a dirty filter can raise your bill, because ENERGY STAR says it slows airflow and makes the system work harder. A clean filter is the cheapest fix on this page.

Will a smart thermostat lower my bills?

It can for some homes. ENERGY STAR says homes with high heating and cooling bills, and homes that sit empty for much of the day, can save with a certified smart thermostat. It only helps if the schedule fits how you live.

Does a tune-up lower energy bills?

A yearly tune-up can help, and ENERGY STAR says it can improve efficiency and comfort. Its checklist includes cleaning coils and checking refrigerant and airflow. Our tune-up guide explains what a visit covers.

Is my old system costing me money?

Maybe, but age alone doesn't answer it. ENERGY STAR suggests having equipment evaluated if it's more than 10 years old or not keeping you comfortable. An evaluation tells you whether a repair, a tune-up, or replacement makes sense.

Are there rebates for more efficient equipment?

Some utility programs in Oregon and Washington offer incentives for heat pumps and certain upgrades, including Energy Trust of Oregon and Clark Public Utilities. Rules depend on your utility, your home, and the equipment. You may qualify — we'll confirm.