Top 4 Heating Errors That Are Increasing Your Energy Bills
Written by guest blogger Shelby Bartz
The furnace often comes to mind when discussing heating options for our homes. But there are other fixtures and appliances at home that are known to produce heat. Baseboards and radiators are just among them. And when trying to keep your home warm with these appliances, it’s important to save money and energy on heating errors that could have been avoided.
That said, it helps to understand some errors many homeowners are guilty about. Be sure you avoid them yourself by scheduling regular furnace checks and comprehensive AC maintenance.
Heating Error #1: Your heater’s size is inappropriate for your needs.
When choosing a heating system for your home, your decision should depend on how much square footage your house is and the climate of the area you live in. Most likely, you will need a larger heating unit if you reside in a massive home situated in an area that constantly experiences freezing temperatures.
Aside from that, if you live in a place with more cold days, upgrading is important. A bigger unit is important to heat those extra cold days. If you use a smaller unit, you may run the unit in full blast, which can result in overheating and damage to some of the system’s components.
Heating Error #2: You don’t regularly change the filters.
Filters play a critical role in the home heating process. But the problem is that these filters are often overlooked. After all, they are mostly hidden in a corner.
In case you don’t know, furnace filters allow you to save a lot on energy bills if used correctly. So, if you don’t have them changed at least once a month, you could be missing out on savings by letting dust particles into the system.
Over time, these particles build up, blocking airflow and increasing strain on various components, such as motors. And this can lead to expensive repairs and high replacement costs.
Heating Error #3: The thermostat is not programmed.
To ensure you reap lots of energy savings, the thermostat must be programmed correctly. But with all the buttons on the thermostat, it is quite understandable if you don’t know what they all do. Below are two of its most important functions.
- Temperature Zone – This setting allows you to set different temperatures for different zones in your home. For instance, you can set your bedroom to stay warm enough for sleeping at night. On the other hand, you can set the rest of the house to stay cool throughout the day.
- Energy Saver – If this feature is activated when the temperature outside is cold, and nobody is home, it will run in a setting where you could have more energy savings. For instance, the cooling system may be turned off.
Heating Error #4: The ducts are leaking.
Leaks are a major cause of energy wastage. For one, hot air leaking out of the ducts may mean your house won’t be warm, and it is an expensive fix.
To fix a leaking duct system, call HVAC technicians with contractors insurance. They can check for cracks and other damages around the joints. They can also inspect your furnace for any loose screws.
Wrapping Up
The best way to prevent all these heating errors that are increasing your energy bill is to ensure your system works properly. And to do that, routine maintenance should be done. Schedule an appointment with your trusted HVAC contractor today. And add this to your Home Maintenance Checklist so that you remember each year.
Guest Blogger Shelby Bartz is the new Content Editor of Precision Air & Plumbing, a full-service HVAC, plumbing, and home performance contractor operating in Chandler, Arizona. Shelby is a devoted bookworm but when she isn’t reading, you’ll find her cruising around town with her beloved ginger husky, Maxxy.
Cover Photo by Thomas Kelley on Unsplash
