As winter approaches, you’re probably starting to think about turning up your heat and getting cozy indoors. But before you fire up that furnace, let’s talk about the sneaky heating mistakes homeowners make that could be draining your wallet faster than you can say brrrr!
Here are the most common home heating errors we see, and our expert HVAC heating tips to help you stay warm this winter.
Neglecting Your Air Filter
One of the biggest (and, unfortunately, most common!) heating mistakes homeowners make is forgetting about their air filter. A dirty, clogged filter forces your heating system to work on overdrive to distribute warm air throughout your home. Not only can this drive up your monthly energy costs, but it can also inflict more wear and tear on your system, shortening the unit’s lifespan.
The Fix: Aim to replace your air filter every 30 to 90 days, depending on your usage and household needs. If you have pets that shed or a family member with allergies, for example, you’ll want to swap out your air filter closer to the 30-day mark. This simple step can significantly improve your energy efficient heating and help extend your system’s lifespan—set a monthly reminder in your calendar so you won’t forget.
Setting Your Thermostat Too High
When you step into a chilly house, it’s tempting to crank up your thermostat, thinking it will heat up your home faster. Unfortunately, your heating system doesn’t work that way. It produces the same amount of heat regardless of how high you set the thermostat. The only difference is that it runs longer, which can cause your home to overheat and waste energy.
The Fix: One of our favorite HVAC heating tips is to set your thermostat to your desired temperature (ideally between 68-70°F when you’re home) and let the system do its job without interference. For optimal energy efficient heating, you can lower the temperature by 7-10 degrees when you’re traveling or away for an extended period of time.
Blocking Vents & Registers
It seems logical that closing vents in unused rooms would save energy, but this is actually one of the most costly heating mistakes homeowners make. Your HVAC system is designed to heat your entire home with balanced airflow, and blocking vents creates pressure imbalances that force your system to work harder, not smarter.
The Fix: Always keep your vents and registers open and unobstructed. You’ll want to move any furniture, curtains, decorations, or storage bins away from the vents. Another HVAC heating tip is to ensure the vent slats are open and pointed upward for optimal air circulation.
Ignoring Preventative Maintenance
Many homeowners only think about their heating system when it breaks down. Life is busy, we get it. But skipping annual maintenance is a major heating mistake homeowners make that can lead to higher energy costs and unexpected repairs during the coldest months of the year.
The Fix: Schedule professional HVAC maintenance every year before the heating season begins. Our Silver State technicians will clean essential components, check for efficiency issues, and catch small problems before they become expensive repairs. Regular maintenance is one of the best HVAC heating tips we can offer for long-term savings.
Poor Thermostat Placement
Did you know? Where your thermostat is located can have a pretty big impact on its performance. When thermostats are near windows, in direct sunlight, or near heat sources, they can give inaccurate readings, causing your heating system to overwork due to false temperature signals.
The Fix: Make sure your thermostat is mounted on an interior wall away from windows, direct sunlight, and heat sources. This central location will help ensure accurate readings and prevent unnecessary heating cycles, providing you with more energy efficient heating.
Leaving Air Leaks Unsealed
If you feel any drafts around your doors, windows, or other openings, you’re letting heated air escape while cold air comes in. These air leaks force your heating system to run constantly, driving up your energy costs.
The Fix: Plug those leaks! Apply weatherstripping around doors and windows, seal cracks with caulk, and consider using draft stoppers along the bottom of your doors. These inexpensive solutions can make a substantial difference in your energy efficient heating performance.
Relying on Fireplaces for Heat
We love a good fire in the winter months. It creates such a great cozy atmosphere. However, using your fireplace as a primary heat source alongside your HVAC system is counterproductive. Fireplaces draw in warm air from your home and send it up the chimney, actually making your heating system work harder.
The Fix: Enjoy your fireplace, but don’t rely on it to heat your home efficiently. If you want supplemental heating, consider a high-efficiency gas fireplace insert instead.
Silver State Is Here to Help
By steering clear of these common mistakes, you can keep your family cozy through the winter while cutting down on energy costs. Whether you need professional maintenance, repairs, or just want to upgrade to a more energy efficient heating system, Silver State is here to help.
Our experienced technicians serve customers throughout Nevada, California, Arizona, Utah, and Texas with reliable, trustworthy heating solutions for every budget. Don’t let heating mistakes cost you comfort or cash. Contact us today to schedule your service.
