Yes, mistakes! To keep running the Furnace Unit appropriately, we often make them. Some of them are natural but some have logic.
Not to forget, these can cost much in the long run. From higher power bills to greater environmental impacts, there are many issues to count on. Hence, instead of handling it by yourself, it is always a great idea to get it done by the best heating services experts. Superior Heating and Air Conditioning is a renowned name in the HVAC industry and the experts perform efficiently without breaking the bank. But, as a homeowner, knowing the mistakes while heating your home is always worth it, read on to find out!
Table of Contents
Some Common Heating & Cooling Mistakes That Are Costing You Money
We all want to keep our homes comfortable without spending much on energy bills. However, small things we miss can have a significant impact on our wallets. Making simple modifications can reduce your energy bills. Let’s look at some of those:
Neglecting DIY Maintenance
While changing the HVAC filter is crucial, it is not the only way for homeowners to maintain their furnaces. Though HVAC systems and furnaces may appear scary, a homeowner may perform a number of things to manage their own system:
- Clean the flame sensor: Cleaning the HVAC flame sensor takes 30 minutes and improves the flame’s efficiency and cleanliness.
- Clean ductwork: Professionals should clean the ducting throughout the entire space. However, if you have a shop vacuum, you may simply clean visible areas of HVAC ductwork.
- Maintain the condensate pump: The condensate reservoir collects condensed water, which is thrown out by the pump. This pump is positioned outside the furnace. You can remove and clean the reservoir yourself. If the pump fails, you can replace it yourself.
Not Insulating Your Home
Insulation is the most cost-effective strategy to lower your energy bills. A poorly insulated home forces your heating and cooling system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Without sufficient insulation, warm air escapes in the winter and cool air leaks out in the summer, resulting in higher energy usage and costs. Insulating crucial places such as the attic, walls, and windows can have a considerable impact.
Not Changing Air Filters Regularly
Considerably, the next most common mistake made by homeowners is failing to change or clean the air filters in their heating and cooling systems. It works in a way that, when filters grow dirty, they obstruct airflow, requiring your system to work more to maintain the correct temperature. Hence, it lowers efficiency and raises your energy bills. Ideally, inspect your filters once a month and replace them every 1-3 months, depending on their use and type. Of course, a clean filter increases airflow, decreases system strain, and saves electricity costs.
Improper Thermostat Use
It’s tempting to turn up the thermostat to quickly warm up a cold room or blast the air conditioner to cool down on a hot day. However, setting the thermostat too high or too low may cause the system to run longer than necessary, raising your energy costs. Using a programmable or smart thermostat can help you avoid this mistake by allowing you to set a daily schedule. In this way, your system runs smoothly when you need it and saves energy when you don’t.
Closing Vents In Unused Rooms
Many people believe that covering vents in empty rooms saves energy; however, this might have the opposite effect. Your HVAC system is intended to maintain even airflow throughout your home. When vents are closed, pressure imbalances occur, which strain the system and may result in ducting leaks. Instead of blocking vents, try installing a zoning system or a smart thermostat to better control the temperature in different sections of your home.
Not Using All Of The Thermostat’s Functions
Homeowners commonly integrate a programmable thermostat in their homes but don’t use all of its functionalities. They frequently overlook or avoid using the entire range of a thermostat’s functions. This is a problem since you are not letting the thermostat adjust according to your lifestyle. So, when you’ve installed a smart or programmable thermostat, understand how to utilize it. Smart thermostats allow you to create heating schedules that fit your routine. Lowering the thermostat when you’re asleep or away saves energy while maintaining comfort when you’re at home.
Using A Fireplace For Heat
Supplementing your HVAC system with a fireplace may appear to be a good idea. After all, you’re balancing your home heating system with a low-cost fuel source known as wood. However, using a fireplace alongside HVAC is a mistake because the majority of the heat is concentrated in a single spot. If that region also happens to be where the thermostat is, the rest of the space will receive little or no warmth. When the fireplace reaches the appropriate heating level, the thermostat short-cycles the furnace, causing it to switch on and off frequently. Also, using a fireplace for heat when you have a working HVAC system quickly pollutes the air filter.
Ignoring Drafts In Your Home
Finding and sealing any drafts in your home, particularly around doors and windows, will help keep it warmer and save you energy expenses. Similarly, having windows firmly latched or even locked can be extremely helpful. Cover sagging flooring with rugs, draw drapes, and, if necessary, perform some easy DIY where the cold air is coming in. Fill holes with silicone sealant, weather seal tape, or draught strips from your local hardware shop, or use an old-fashioned door snake to keep the cold out.
Conclusion
To conclude… Avoiding these frequent mistakes can help you keep your home comfortable while saving your electricity expenses. Another fantastic option to save money is to install an energy-efficient system. Superior Heating and Air Conditioning help you to switch to a better unit by selecting the appropriate system for your home.
So, are you ready to go one step further? Call us this winter to get a free quote for utilizing our best heating services.
