Your December gift budget isn’t the only thing taking a hit—your heating bill is climbing right alongside it. If your energy costs feel unusually high this winter, you’re right to question it.
The good news? You don’t have to accept outrageous heating bills as a seasonal inevitability. Once you understand what’s driving up costs, you can make targeted changes that lower your bill without leaving your North Carolina or Virginia home cold.
Why December hits your wallet hardest
December heating bills tend to spike for a straightforward reason: your furnace works overtime when outdoor temperatures plummet. But inefficient systems, poor insulation and neglected maintenance amplify the problem. When your heating system struggles to maintain comfortable temperatures, it burns through energy and drives up costs fast.
The main causes of high heating bills in December
1. Poor insulation is draining your wallet.
If your home isn’t well-insulated, heat escapes faster than your holiday budget. Inadequate insulation means the warm air your furnace produces escapes through your attic, crawlspace, walls and gaps around doors and windows. Your system runs longer and works harder to compensate, burning more fuel and driving up costs.
Signs your insulation needs attention:
- Cold spots in certain rooms
- Drafts near windows, doors or outlets
- Ice dams forming on your roof
- Uneven temperatures between floors
How to fix it:
- Have your attic insulation inspected and upgraded if it’s below recommended levels.
- Use weather stripping and caulk around windows and exterior doors.
- Close fireplace dampers when not in use.
- Install foam gaskets behind outlet covers on exterior walls.
Improving insulation is one of the fastest ways to reduce heating loss and keep warm air inside, where it belongs.
2. Your thermostat settings are sabotaging you.
Keeping your thermostat set to 72°F around the clock—even while you sleep or when no one’s home—burns unnecessary fuel. Many homeowners don’t realize how much money they lose from temperature settings that never adjust.
What you can dt:
- Set your thermostat to 68°F when you’re home and awake
- Lower it by 7-10 degrees when you’re asleep or away
- Install a programmable or smart thermostat to automate temperature changes
- Stop cranking the heat higher to warm your home faster—it doesn’t work that way
Adjusting your thermostat by just a few degrees can cut your monthly heating costs significantly.
3. Your furnace is working harder than it should.
An aging or poorly maintained furnace uses more energy to produce the same amount of heat. Systems that are improperly sized, have worn components or haven’t been serviced in years will run longer cycles and consume more fuel than necessary.
What you can do:
- Schedule a professional tune-up to ensure everything’s calibrated, lubricated, and running smoothly.
- Replace your furnace filter monthly during heavy-use months.
- If your unit’s 15+ years old, consider a high-efficiency replacement—today’s models use far less energy for the same heat output.
A clean, well-tuned system uses less energy and keeps your house more comfortable.
4. Dirty filters are costing you money.
Clogged, dirty filters restrict airflow, making your system work harder to push air through the ducts. That extra effort burns more energy, wears out your system faster, and reduces indoor air quality on top of it.
What you can do:
- Replace standard filters every 30-60 days during winter
- Change filters more frequently if you have pets, allergies or run your heat constantly
- Check for additional filters in return vents and ductless systems
This is one of the cheapest fixes you can make—and one of the most effective.
5. Your system needs seasonal maintenance.
Winter puts maximum stress on your HVAC system. Small issues like loose connections, dirty burners or worn parts create inefficiency that raises your energy bills. Without professional maintenance, these problems can also cause sudden breakdowns during the coldest weather.
How to fix it:
- Book a furnace tune-up or HVAC inspection before temperatures drop further
- Have a technician clean burners, verify airflow, calibrate your thermostat and identify potential problems before they become costly repairs
Regular maintenance protects your heating system’s efficiency and prevents emergency breakdowns when you need heat most.
Keep your heating bills in check this winter.
High heating bills don’t have to be part of your winter routine. With targeted improvements to your home’s insulation, thermostat settings and HVAC maintenance, you can stay comfortable without setting your wallet on fire.
Bell Cow Service Company provides professional furnace maintenance, repairs and efficiency upgrades throughout the Triangle, Sandhills, Hampton Roads and Richmond areas. Our certified technicians can identify exactly why your system is working harder than it should—and fix it.
Ready to cut your heating costs?
Winter in North Carolina and Virginia doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few simple changes—and the right help from Bell Cow—you can warm up your home without setting your wallet on fire. Call or text Bell Cow today at 844-234-2355 or request a quote by filling out a quick contact form.
We’ll help you heat smarter this winter. Don’t get milked by the other guys.