A heating bill that suddenly jumps in Atlanta usually comes from one of a few fixable problems: a heat pump running on its backup heat strips, a clogged filter, leaky ductwork in the attic or crawlspace, thermostat settings that work against your system, or equipment that's overdue for maintenance. Colder weather raises every bill a little, but if yours is far higher than the same month last year, something is making your system work harder than it should. The Air Company of GA, a family-owned Bryant dealer with NATE-certified technicians, can find the cause. Call 404-583-7788; we're open 24 hours.
First, Compare Apples to Apples
Before you blame the furnace or heat pump, pull up the same month from last winter. A cold snap in Atlanta, more people home during the day, or a rate change from your utility can all raise the total. If the weather was similar and your usage still climbed noticeably, it's time to look at the equipment.
8 Common Reasons Your Heating Bill Is So High
1. Your Heat Pump Is Leaning on Auxiliary or Emergency Heat
Heat pumps are very efficient in Atlanta's mild winters, but they have electric heat strips for backup. Those strips cost much more to run. If your thermostat shows "Aux Heat" or "Emergency Heat" for long stretches, or someone switched it to emergency heat and forgot, your power bill can climb fast. Learn the difference in our guide to emergency heat vs. aux heat, and if aux heat runs constantly, schedule heat pump service.
2. A Dirty Air Filter
A clogged filter chokes airflow, so your system runs longer to deliver the same heat. It's the cheapest fix on this list. See how often to change your air filter and which way the arrow goes.
3. Leaky Ducts in the Attic or Crawlspace
Many homes in Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Decatur and Tucker have ductwork running through unheated attics and crawlspaces. Loose joints and torn connections dump warm air where you'll never feel it. Rooms that never warm up, dusty registers, and a system that seems to run nonstop are common signs. Our duct repair team seals and fixes damaged runs.
4. Thermostat Settings That Fight Your System
Big temperature setbacks can backfire with a heat pump, because recovering from a deep setback on a cold morning often brings on the expensive backup heat. Small, steady changes usually work better. An old or poorly placed thermostat can also misread the temperature. A programmable or smart thermostat, set up correctly, helps. See our thermostat installation page.
5. Skipped Maintenance
Dirty burners, a weak flame sensor, a dirty blower, or a heat pump outdoor coil packed with leaves all cut efficiency. A yearly tune-up catches these before they show up on your bill. Our service plan is $159 per year for the first system and $60 for each additional unit, with priority scheduling for members.
6. Short Cycling
A furnace or heat pump that turns on and off every few minutes wastes energy on every start. Read why your furnace keeps turning on and off for the usual causes.
7. Aging Equipment
Older furnaces and heat pumps lose efficiency as parts wear. If your system is 15 years or older and needs frequent repairs, compare the numbers in our guide to repairing or replacing a furnace, or look at furnace installation options.
8. Dry Air and Drafts Make You Turn It Up
Dry winter air feels colder, so many people raise the thermostat a few degrees. A whole-home humidifier can make the same temperature feel warmer. Sealing drafts around doors and windows helps too.
Quick Checks You Can Do Today
- Replace the air filter if it looks gray or dusty.
- Make sure the thermostat is set to "Heat," not "Emergency Heat."
- Open supply vents and keep furniture and rugs off them.
- Clear leaves and debris from around the outdoor heat pump unit.
- Listen for a system that runs nonstop or starts and stops every few minutes.
If those don't explain it, it's time for a professional look. Our residential diagnostic fee is $89.
Heating Help Across North Atlanta
We serve homes and businesses in Atlanta (including Buckhead, Midtown and Virginia Highland), Sandy Springs, Marietta, East Cobb, Smyrna, Vinings, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Duluth, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Chamblee, Doraville, Tucker and Decatur. Visit our furnace repair page or contact us, or call 404-583-7788. The Air Company of GA, 10 Glenlake Parkway, Suite 130, Atlanta, GA 30328.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my heating bill double this month?
A sudden jump usually means a heat pump is running on its electric backup heat, a filter is clogged, or ducts are leaking warm air into the attic or crawlspace. A colder month raises bills too, so compare it to the same month last year first.
Does emergency heat raise my electric bill?
Yes. Emergency and auxiliary heat use electric heat strips that cost much more to run than the heat pump itself. Use emergency heat only when the heat pump isn't working, and call for service if aux heat runs most of the day.
Is it cheaper to turn the heat down when I leave?
Modest setbacks usually save money. With a heat pump, deep setbacks can trigger backup heat when the house warms back up, which can cancel out the savings. Small, steady changes tend to work better.
Can leaky ducts really raise my heating bill?
Yes. Ducts in unheated attics and crawlspaces can lose a lot of warm air through loose joints and tears, so your system runs longer to heat the house. Duct repair fixes the leaks.
Will a tune-up lower my heating bill?
A tune-up cleans and checks the parts that affect efficiency, like burners, the flame sensor, the blower and the heat pump coil. Our service plan is $159 per year for the first system and $60 for each additional unit.
Who can check my system in Atlanta?
The Air Company of GA is a family-owned Bryant dealer with NATE-certified technicians, open 24 hours. Call 404-583-7788 for residential or commercial heating service.
