High Energy Bill After the Recent Ice Storm? A Crossville, TN Checklist to Lower Costs

If your utility bill climbed after the recent ice storm and snow, you’re not alone. When temperatures drop, most homes use a lot more energy for heating. In fact, space heating and water heating make up a major share of typical household energy use.

The good news is that a bill spike is often a clue you can act on. Sometimes it’s a simple fix like airflow or thermostat settings. Other times it’s your system telling you it needs service.

Below is a homeowner-friendly checklist we use every winter across the Crossville, Fairfield Glade, Lake Tansi, and Cumberland County area.

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Why bills jump after snow and ice

Winter weather can push heating systems into longer runtimes, more frequent cycling, and less efficient operation. Here are the most common reasons we see after storms:

1) Your system is running longer to recover from cold indoor temps

After a cold snap or power outage, your system may run for hours trying to bring the home back to set temperature. The bigger the gap between indoor and outdoor temps, the harder your system has to work.

2) Heat pumps may use more backup heat than you think

Many homes in our area use heat pumps. During extended cold spells, the system may call for AUX heat (backup electric resistance heat) to keep up.

Electric resistance heat is much less efficient than a heat pump. The Department of Energy notes that heat pumps can reduce electricity use for heating by up to 75% compared to electric resistance heating.

If you’re seeing AUX or EM HEAT on your thermostat, read this first: Aux vs. Emergency Heat in Crossville.

3) Dirty filters and restricted airflow make your HVAC work harder

Storm weeks often mean more indoor time, more dust, and more runtime. A dirty filter slows airflow and can waste energy because the system has to work harder to move air. ENERGY STAR recommends checking filters monthly during heavy-use seasons.

4) Outdoor units can get blocked by snow or ice

If a heat pump outdoor unit can’t breathe, efficiency drops fast. Snow drifts, ice buildup, and debris can restrict airflow and trigger extra strain.

Quick safety note: do not chip ice off the coil. If you suspect heavy icing, call a pro.

5) Small system problems turn into big efficiency losses

Low refrigerant (for heat pumps), dirty coils, failing capacitors, thermostat issues, duct leakage, and blower problems can all drive longer runtimes and higher bills. This is where a professional tune-up pays off.

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A quick checklist to troubleshoot a high energy bill

Step 1: Check your thermostat (takes 60 seconds)

• Make sure the thermostat is set to HEAT (not EM HEAT unless your system is truly not working).
• Avoid large temperature jumps. Big setbacks can trigger AUX heat on some systems.
• For many homes, a good starting point for winter savings is around 68°F to 70°F while you are awake, then lower when sleeping or away if comfortable.

If you want more control: a smart thermostat can help reduce waste with scheduling and adaptive features. A technician at Crossville Heating & Cooling would be happy to walk you through all of your options for a smart thermostat installation.

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Step 2: Replace the air filter

If you can’t remember the last time you changed it, change it today. This is one of the fastest ways to improve airflow and reduce strain. ENERGY STAR’s guidance is simple: check monthly during peak seasons and replace when dirty (at minimum every 3 months).

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Step 3: Walk outside and clear airflow around your heat pump

• Clear snow away from the unit so air can move freely.
• Remove leaves or debris around the base.
• If you see thick ice on the coil, do not scrape it. Call for service.

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Step 4: Look for airflow problems inside

• Make sure supply vents and return grilles aren’t blocked by rugs or furniture.
• If some rooms are cold and others are hot, your system may be struggling with duct airflow, blower issues, or balance.

If dust buildup is heavy or airflow has been weak for a long time, duct cleaning can help in some homes, especially where registers show visible buildup.

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Step 5: Compare this month’s usage to your normal pattern

A storm can absolutely cause a one-time spike. But if your bill stays high for multiple billing cycles, it’s usually not just the weather. That is when a tune-up and efficiency check makes the most sense.

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When to schedule an HVAC efficiency check

If any of these issues are happening, it’s time to bring in a technician:

• Your system runs constantly but never feels warm enough
• You see AUX heat on often (or you had to use EM HEAT)
• Your bill increased sharply and stays high
• You notice short cycling, loud operation, or burning odors

During a professional heating maintenance visit, we typically inspect, clean, and test key components that affect efficiency, including airflow and thermostat performance.

If repairs are needed, our heating repair team can diagnose issues with airflow and heat pump performance and walk you through options.

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Want to knock down high energy bills? Start with a tune-up

If you’re trying to rein in energy costs after the snow and ice, a tune-up is the most direct first step. Crossville Heating & Cooling offers maintenance plans designed to keep systems running efficiently year-round.

Right now, we are also running a $69 Heating Tune-Up Special (limited time).

Schedule now

Call us 24/7 at (931) 484-0004 or schedule online.

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FAQ

Why is my electric bill so high after a winter storm?

Cold snaps cause longer heating runtimes, and heat pumps may rely on backup electric resistance heat more often. Restricted airflow from dirty filters also increases energy use.

Does AUX heat increase my bill?

AUX heat uses electric resistance heating, which is far less efficient than heat pump operation. If AUX runs frequently, costs can rise quickly.

Should I use EM HEAT when it is really cold?

Typically no. EM HEAT is meant for situations where the heat pump isn’t working properly. If you’re unsure, follow our AUX vs EM HEAT guide for Crossville homeowners.

What thermostat setting saves the most money in winter?

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver guidance commonly recommends around 68°F to 70°F while awake, then lower when asleep or away if comfortable.