Many homeowners across Whatcom County opened their January utility bills and were surprised to see heating costs higher than expected. The spike is the result of a combination of colder winter weather, increased energy demand and heating systems working harder to keep homes warm.
January is typically the coldest month of the year in Northwest Washington. Even brief cold snaps can cause furnaces and heat pumps to run longer and more frequently. Because heating accounts for the largest share of household energy use during winter, small temperature changes often lead to noticeable increases in monthly bills.
“There are many ways to help keep your energy bills as low as possible during the winter, it’s just a matter of knowing what to do when it comes to your HVAC system. We do our best to educate our customers and teach them the how and when to either make a slight change in programming their system, or just an overall better way of using it that will help lower the energy costs during the colder months. If your system is old and not efficient, getting a new system installed, such as a ducted heat pump, a ductless heat pump, or a high-efficiency gas furnace, all go a long way towards reaching the goal of lowering utility costs. Education is important, and plays a large role in getting customers set up with their new HVAC system, or to help them use their current system properly!”
Housing age also plays a role. Older homes are common throughout Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden and rural areas of the county. Many of these homes were built before modern energy-efficiency standards and may have insufficient insulation, leaky windows or aging ductwork. These issues allow heated air to escape, forcing systems to compensate by running longer.
Whatcom County’s damp, coastal climate can also affect heating efficiency. Moist air can make indoor spaces feel cooler, prompting homeowners to raise thermostat settings. Over time, this increased demand adds up on utility bills.
Energy prices are another factor. Natural gas and electricity rates often increase during winter months due to higher demand. When colder weather coincides with seasonal rate adjustments, homeowners can see significant cost increases even if their usage habits have not changed.
According to HVAC professionals at Feller Heating, system maintenance is one of the most overlooked contributors to rising heating costs. Heating systems that have not been
serviced regularly may operate less efficiently due to dirty filters, worn parts or restricted airflow. These problems cause equipment to work harder than necessary, increasing both energy use and the risk of breakdowns.
Homeowners can take several steps to help control heating costs for the remainder of winter.
Adjusting thermostat settings is one of the simplest measures. Lowering the temperature by even one or two degrees when home — and more when away or sleeping — can reduce energy use without sacrificing comfort.
Replacing air filters regularly is also important. During winter, filters should be checked monthly. A clean filter allows proper airflow, helping systems operate efficiently.
Sealing air leaks can provide immediate benefits. Weatherstripping doors and windows, sealing gaps in crawl spaces or attics, and closing off unused rooms can help keep warm air inside the home.
Routine professional maintenance remains one of the most effective ways to manage heating costs. Annual inspections can identify efficiency issues early and help ensure systems are operating safely and reliably throughout the winter.
For homeowners with older equipment, upgrading may be worth considering. Modern furnaces and heat pumps are significantly more efficient than systems installed decades ago and can perform better in Whatcom County’s wet winter conditions.
As winter continues, experts recommend paying attention to unusual noises, uneven heating or sudden increases in energy use. Addressing these warning signs early can help prevent further bill increases and keep homes comfortable through the rest of the season.
