Are you tired of seeing your energy bills skyrocket every month? If so, you're not alone. Many homeowners make common mistakes that cost them a lot of money, specifically regarding their HVAC system. In this blog post, Carter Comfort Systems will discuss some of the most common heating mistakes and how to avoid them. Keep reading to learn more about avoiding high energy bills this winter!
Closing the Vents in Unused Rooms
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is closing the vents in unused rooms. While it may seem like a good idea to cut energy costs, this does more harm than good. Closing the vents restricts airflow and prevents your HVAC system from running efficiently, leading to higher energy bills. Your HVAC system won’t know your vents are closed, so it will still try to push air out of the closed vents. This can cause strain on your heating system and lead to a high energy bill and costly HVAC repair.
Cranking the Thermostat
Another mistake homeowners make is cranking the thermostat up too high to heat their homes faster. Unfortunately, this can cause your heating system to work harder and use more energy than necessary. To keep your energy bills low, try setting the thermostat at a comfortable level and allowing it to stay consistent throughout the day and night. To save more energy, you can lower the thermostat by a few degrees at night while sleeping.
Forgetting to Change the Air Filter
Remember to change or clean your air filter too! A clogged or dirty air filter restricts airflow, making your HVAC system work harder and resulting in higher energy bills. Make sure to check your air filter every month – more often if you have pets or live in an area with a lot of dust and pollen. If you have an air filter that needs to be replaced with a store-bought filter, check the size of your current filter before heading to your local home improvement store to buy a new one.
Turning the Heat Off Every Time You Leave the House
Another mistake homeowners make is turning their heat off whenever they leave home. This can cost you more in the long run, as it takes much longer for the temperature to rise when the heat is turned on again. Instead, try adjusting the thermostat to a lower setting so you're not using as much energy while away from home.
Not Sealing Air Leaks
Lastly, remember to seal any air leaks throughout your home. These small gaps can allow cold air to escape, leading to higher energy bills. Spend some time checking for any drafts around windows and doors, and use caulk or weather stripping to seal them off.
You can drastically reduce your energy bills by avoiding these common heating mistakes. Just remember to keep the vents open, adjust the thermostat wisely, change or clean your air filter often, turn the heat down instead of turning it off while away from home, and seal any air leaks throughout your home. Following these tips will ensure that you stay comfortable without breaking the bank.
Carter Comfort Systems prioritizes the comfort of our customers in their homes all year long. If you’re having issues with your heating system this winter, don’t hesitate to contact us at (208) 739-4181.