If you have an energy efficient home, you can be comfortable all year round. But, as the weather turns colder, you want to stay warm without breaking the bank. Let’s face it, energy bills are a large part of any home budget, and anything we can do to keep them in check is worth investigating. In this article, we will look at eight common home heating mistakes that you need to avoid this winter.
- Heating an Empty Home
If you’re not at home during the day, it doesn’t make sense to heat an empty home. If you have pets at home, you can find their ideal temperature and set the thermostat to that before you leave. Many pets require far less heat than we do, thanks to their furry coats and different physical characteristics. Always check to make sure your pet will be happy and comfortable when you’re not at home.
Another great option is to invest in a programmable or smart thermostat that allows you to change the temperature throughout the day. A basic programmable unit can change the temperature based on the time, and this means you can increase the heat prior to your return home. A smart thermostat is even more advanced, and you can control it via your favorite mobile device. When you install a smart thermostat, you can alter the temperature in your home remotely in real time and monitor the energy consumption. If you want to upgrade your thermostat, contact your local certified HVAC specialist.
- Not Checking the Air Filter
The air filter in your furnace is important because all the air in your home will pass through it multiple times each day. The filter removes particulates circulating in the air and prevents them from affecting sensitive components. When the surface is the air filter becomes clogged over time, the air cannot flow, and the furnace needs to work harder. This will consume more energy, but it’s also important to understand that overworked equipment is more prone to failure. This could mean more frequent repairs, more downtime without heating, and even an earlier than expected replacement. Changing the air filter is simple; get into the habit of checking it regularly, and you will find that your entire HVAC system works more efficiently.
- Setting the Thermostat Higher for Faster Heating
Many people try to heat up their homes faster by cranking up the temperature settings on their thermostats. When the thermostat is turned too high, and too quickly, it will have little to no effect on how fast your home heats up. In reality, all that really happens is the furnace runs for longer, and this simply drives up your energy bills. It’s always a better idea to heat up your home gradually using a programmable or smart thermostat.
- Not Locking the Windows
Most of us keep our windows closed in winter to prevent the heat from escaping. But, many of us don’t lock the windows to ensure that they are sealed up tightly. When the windows are simply closed, there are small gaps where the cold air can enter, and the treated air can leak out. When treated air can leave your home, the energy spent to heat it has been wasted.
- Closing Vents in Unoccupied Rooms
Although it may seem sensible to close the vents in any rooms that are unoccupied to save money on heating, this is a bad idea. The vents in those rooms are still part of the ductwork system that supplies treated air to every vent in the home. That ductwork system has been sized to match the heating equipment, and altering the balance will cause a loss in efficiency. It’s a better idea to keep the vents clear of obstructions and open them a little to allow treated air to circulate. It may seem counterintuitive, but this will save you money on your energy bills.
- Leaving Your Exhaust Fans On
It’s a great idea to use an exhaust fan in your bathroom or kitchen to reduce the buildup of moisture. Purging dirty or moisture laden air will prevent an increase in humidity, mold growth, and other problems. But, you shouldn’t have your fans running for a long time after you’ve finished cooking or using the bathroom. When the fan continues to run, it pumps the treated air out of the home, which is a waste of energy. Consider an upgrade to make the fans more efficient and/or shut them off automatically when you’re done.
- Ignoring Drafts and Leaks
Although a small draft or leak may not seem like a big deal, it could be causing a significant amount of heat loss. After all, you may have multiple air leaks hidden in your home, and if you add them all together, it’s a real problem. Check all of your doors, windows, and exterior walls for small drafts. If you find an air leak, you can seal it with some caulk to prevent the loss of heated air and the intrusion of cold air from outside. The most common locations to find the worst air leaks are the basement and attic. Many people ignore these areas because they may be harder to access to find and fix leaks. If you’re concerned about drafts in your home, contact your local certified HVAC specialist and ask about an energy audit.
- Neglecting Regular Maintenance
The heating and cooling systems in your home are complex. They have electrical, electronic, and mechanical parts. Much like your car, they need some regular professional attention to ensure that they’re working as the manufacturer intended. A poorly maintained system is more prone to failure when you need it most. It may consume more energy and provide less performance, which is a huge waste of your money. When the HVAC system is checked regularly, smaller issues can be detected and fixed before they develop into expensive problems. Schedule an inspection and maintenance at the start of each heating and cooling season.
If you want to improve the efficiency of your heating system and avoid high energy bills, contact your local certified HVAC specialist today.