We might think our mild climate means cheap heating bills, but inefficiency can cost you more than you’d expect!
It’s easy to get comfortable in Los Angeles and assume heating costs are automatically low. Sure, our winter temperatures typically range from 48°F to 68°F. Nothing like the brutal cold other places deal with.
But here’s the reality check: mild weather doesn’t automatically equal low heating bills.
Why Mild Weather Can Be Expensive
Here’s what most LA homeowners don’t realize: your heating system doesn’t get graded on a curve based on outdoor temperature. An inefficient furnace wastes energy whether it’s maintaining 70°F indoors when it’s 50°F outside or when it’s 20°F outside.
In LA, where winter highs average around 68°F and lows drop to 48°F, you might think you barely use heat. But those cool mornings and evenings add up. Your system still has to cycle on and off regularly throughout the heating season, and inefficiency costs money every single time it runs.
Plus, LA’s heating season is longer than you might think. From November through April, you’ll need some heat on a regular basis. That’s six months of potential waste if your system isn’t running efficiently.
The Hidden Costs of “It’s Fine” Thinking
Too many LA homeowners fall into the “it’s fine” trap with their heating systems. It turns on, warm air comes out, the house gets comfortable – what’s the problem? The problem is you might be paying 20-40% more than you need to for that comfort.
An inefficient heating system might still heat your home, but it’s doing it the expensive way. Poor maintenance, wrong sizing, or old equipment can make your system use significantly more energy than necessary, even in our mild climate.
What Really Drives Heating Costs in LA
System Age and Efficiency If your furnace is over 15 years old, it’s probably wasting energy every time it runs. Newer systems are dramatically more efficient, and in LA’s six-month heating season, that efficiency difference really adds up.
Maintenance Issues Dirty filters, clogged burners, or poor calibration can make your heating system work 25% harder than it should. In mild weather, these problems are less obvious but just as expensive.
Sizing Problems An oversized heating system seems like it would be better, but it actually wastes energy by cycling on and off too frequently. An undersized system runs constantly, which also wastes money.
Ductwork Leaks Leaky ducts mean you’re heating your attic or crawl space instead of your living areas. Your system keeps running because it never achieves the temperature it’s supposed to maintain.
October: Perfect Timing for Heating Prep
Right now in October, with temperatures ranging from the low 80s down to the mid-70s, you’re not desperate for heat yet. This is the perfect time for a tune-up to ensure your system runs efficiently when you do need it.
Professional maintenance can improve your system’s efficiency by 10-15%, which translates to real savings over LA’s heating season. Plus, catching problems now prevents expensive emergency furnace repairs when you actually need heat.
The Real Numbers on LA Heating Costs
Even in LA’s mild climate, heating can account for 30-50% of your winter energy bills. If your system is inefficient, you could easily be spending an extra $50-100 per month during heating season without realizing it.
Over six months, that’s $300-600 in unnecessary costs. For a system that’s really inefficient or poorly maintained, the waste can be even higher!!
Take Advantage of October Weather
Use this mild weather to your advantage. October is the perfect time to address heating system issues before you actually need heat. Contact MightyServ at (818) 348-4768 or make an appointment online to ensure your heating system runs efficiently through another beautiful Los Angeles winter.
