Common HVAC Mistakes You Should Avoid
Our heating systems work hard to keep the temperature inside our homes at our desired level. Unfortunately staying warm and comfortable while saving energy can often seem like a misnomer, particularly if you start to believe everything you read. There are a number of heating myths that claim to save energy, but could end up costing you more in the long run. Here we will explore four common myths and explain why they are not beneficial in your home.
- Crank it Up for Effective Heat:
We’ve all experienced that moment in the depths of winter; you return home to find it’s freezing cold. The first instinct may be to crank up your thermostat. After all, this is the most effective way to increase the temperature, isn’t it? The truth is that this is a complete myth. When you crank up your thermostat, all you are doing is forcing your heating system to run for longer, consuming more energy. Your thermostat does not control the amount of heat generated by your system. It is actually responsible for powering the system on and off once the desired temperature is achieved.
- A Programmable Thermostat Does All the Work:
Most energy saving websites will recommend installing a programmable thermostat, but this doesn’t mean that it will do all the work for you. While a programmable thermostat does offer the potential for automation, you will still need a little trial and error in order to identify your optimum settings. Unless your new thermostat is a smart model, which is capable of learning your preferences and habits, you will need to determine the correct settings to suit the season, climate and your own schedule. Familiarizing yourself with your thermostat model and its features will take a little time, but it will be worth the energy savings.
- A Fireplace and Heating Will Warm Your Home More Efficiently:
There is nothing cozier than a roaring fireplace, but a wood burning fire is not actually the most efficient way to heat your home. Many homeowners believe that when you light your fireplace, you will need less heat. Unfortunately, much of the heat from a fireplace is emitted out of the chimney. This means that when you are running your heating, the heated air is being directed out of the home through the chimney. To avoid heat loss, avoid running your heating system when your fireplace is lit.
- A Consistent Temperature Around the Clock Saves Energy:
Finally, there is a common myth that leaving your heating system running throughout the day and night is the most cost effective and efficient way to heat a home. This myth is based on the proposition that cycling the system on and off burns more energy, so it is better to keep the system ticking over. The reality is that modern heating systems require very little energy to restart after they have been turned off. This means that you will use far less energy if you adjust the thermostat overnight or at times when the home is unoccupied.