Why Does My Energy Bill Go Up in the Fall?

November 4, 2025

As the cool fall air rolls in, many homeowners notice a sudden jump in their monthly energy bills. You’re not alone — every year around October and November, power usage across Washington starts climbing fast. But what’s really causing that spike, and what can you do about it?


At Mayster Heating & Air, we help homeowners understand and control their energy costs while keeping their homes comfortable. Let’s break down why your bills rise in the fall and how to keep them from getting out of hand.

1. Your Heating System Starts Working Overtime


When temperatures drop, your furnace or heat pump runs more often and for longer cycles to maintain indoor comfort.

That extra runtime means more electricity or gas consumption — especially if your system hasn’t been serviced recently. Dust buildup, worn parts, or an old filter can make your system work harder than it should.


Pro tip: Schedule a professional fall heating tune-up before peak winter. A properly cleaned and calibrated system can cut energy use by up to 15%.




2. Thermostat Settings Change Without You Realizing


During summer, most thermostats stay set around 72°F or higher for cooling. In fall, homeowners often crank up the heat without noticing how much that affects their bill. Just one degree higher can increase your heating cost by about 3–5%.


Smart fix:
Install a
smart thermostat. It learns your patterns, adjusts automatically, and helps reduce wasted heating. Plus, you can track and control temperatures right from your phone — whether you’re home or away.




3. Air Leaks and Poor Insulation Let Heat Escape


Even the most efficient furnace can’t perform well if warm air is leaking out of your home.

Windows, doors, and attic spaces often develop small gaps that let heated air escape and cold air enter, forcing your system to run constantly.


Quick test:
Hold your hand near window or door frames — if you feel a draft, you’re losing money. Weather-strip doors, add insulation in attics, and seal ductwork to keep heat inside where it belongs.




4. Older Equipment Loses Efficiency Each Year


Heating systems older than 10–15 years often run below 80% efficiency. Modern high-efficiency systems can reach up to 97% — that’s a major difference in both comfort and cost.


If your furnace or heat pump is aging, consider an energy-efficient replacement. Between local utility rebates, federal tax credits, and the long-term savings, the upgrade often pays for itself.



5. Preventive Maintenance Pays for Itself


One of the biggest hidden causes of higher energy bills is simply a neglected HVAC system. Dust-covered coils, loose electrical connections, or incorrect refrigerant levels can all reduce efficiency and drive up costs.


That’s why Mayster Heating & Air offers seasonal tune-ups to catch small issues before they turn into expensive energy waste.



How Mayster Heating & Air Can Help You Save This Fall


Our certified technicians specialize in optimizing your home’s comfort system for maximum performance and minimum cost.


Here’s how we help you save:

  • Fall furnace and heat pump tune-ups
  • Smart thermostat installations
  • Energy efficiency inspections
  • Duct sealing and airflow balancing
  • High-efficiency system upgrades



We proudly serve homeowners throughout Pierce, King, Kitsap, and Thurston Counties — helping our community stay comfortable all year long.



If your energy bills have crept up this fall, it doesn’t mean you’re using more power by choice — it usually means your home or system needs a bit of care.


Schedule your fall heating tune-up with Mayster Heating & Air today and enjoy lower bills, better comfort, and peace of mind for the cold months ahead.


Call us today at (206) 492-4215 to schedule your appointment and keep your home comfortable this season.

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