Why Your Energy Bill Can Spike After Winter Storms: HVAC Efficiency Tips for the Lenoir City & Farragut, TN Area

If your utility bill jumped after the recent ice and snow, you’re not alone. In most homes, heating and cooling are the biggest energy users. Together, they account for a major share of household energy use.

The good news: some causes are normal during extreme weather, but others are fixable. Below are the most common reasons energy bills spike after winter storms in East Tennessee, and what you can do right now to get costs back under control.

Eco Home Solutions serves Lenoir City, Farragut, Knoxville, Loudon, Oak Ridge, Jamestown, Dunlap, and nearby areas.

5 common reasons your power bill is higher after ice and snow

1) Your system had to run longer

When temperatures stay low for days, your HVAC simply runs more often to maintain the same indoor temperature. Longer runtimes = more energy used.

2) Your heat pump may be using defrost + auxiliary heat more often

If you have a heat pump, ice and freezing moisture can create frost on the outdoor coil. The system has to defrost to keep operating, and in some situations, it may rely more on supplemental/aux heat while it’s defrosting.

If you want a deeper explanation of defrost mode, AUX/Emergency heat, and thermostat tips, check out our heat pump winter guide.

3) Dirty filters and restricted airflow drive up energy use

A clogged filter makes your system work harder to move air, which can waste energy and reduce comfort. ENERGY STAR recommends checking filters monthly during heavy-use seasons and changing them at least every 3 months (or sooner if needed).

4) Air leaks and comfort issues make the thermostat chase

After a storm, drafty doors/windows, attic bypasses, and leaky ductwork can make your home feel colder, so the system runs more to compensate.

5) A small HVAC issue turned into a big efficiency problem

Low airflow, failing components, thermostat issues, or duct problems can increase run time and energy use, sometimes without an obvious breakdown. If the system is older and the bills keep climbing, an aging AC may be due for replacement.

Quick DIY checks that can help lower your next bill

These are safe, homeowner-friendly steps that can make a real difference:

• Replace your HVAC filter (if you haven’t in a while).
• Make sure supply vents and return grilles are open and unblocked (furniture and rugs matter more than people think).
• If you have a heat pump: keep the outdoor unit area clear so it can breathe. (Avoid chipping ice off the coil. If you suspect ice buildup that won’t clear, it’s time to call a pro.)
• Check your thermostat settings for schedules that may be overworking the system.
• Listen for changes (new noises, frequent cycling, uneven temps). Those are clues something’s off.
• Keep your backup generator ready (we offer ongoing maintenance for standby generators.)

When it’s time to schedule an HVAC efficiency check

If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth getting your system looked at:

• You see AUX heat / Emergency heat running frequently when it normally doesn’t
• The system runs constantly but the home still feels uncomfortable
• Hot/cold spots are getting worse
• You notice unusual noises, weak airflow, or frequent starts/stops
• Your bill spiked and you can’t explain why

Eco Home Solutions can diagnose heating issues fast and get you back to efficient, reliable comfort.

What we check during an efficiency-focused visit

When we’re called out for high energy bills, we focus on the items that most often cause wasted energy:

• System operation and thermostat performance
• Airflow and duct-related red flags
• Heat pump performance (including defrost/AUX behavior when applicable)
• Basic electrical and component checks
• Maintenance needs that can improve performance

If you want to stay ahead of seasonal spikes, our maintenance plans include two visits per year (typically spring + fall) and are designed to keep systems running efficiently year-round.

Bonus savings: smart thermostat rebates in the TVA region

If you’re in the TVA EnergyRight footprint, you may be eligible for Smart Thermostat Rewards incentives (availability can vary by local power company).

Ready to lower your bill? We’re here to help.

If your utility bill feels way too high after the ice and snow, don’t just hope it goes back down. Your HVAC system uses more energy than anything else in the home, and a quick efficiency check can uncover easy fixes.

• Learn about our maintenance plans
• Heat pump service
• Heating repair
• View current specials
• Call us 24/7: (844) 305-4822