5 HVAC Mistakes that Drive Up Your Heating Bill
It’s that time of year when you’ll be thinking about turning on your heating system. But before you do, you need to double-check that the system is working, and everything is in tip-top condition.
Unfortunately, when maintaining a home and keeping it warm and cozy, people make a few common mistakes, meaning they spend more on energy bills. Be savvier this winter by checking out these five mistakes and making simple tweaks to lower your heating bill.
Forgetting to Change Your Air Filter
An air filter is one of the most important parts of your central heating and cooling system because it protects the HVAC unit from dust and dirt. When these particles enter the system, they can damage the fan blades, motor bearings, and other parts that help keep the unit running smoothly.
Air filters should be changed every month or two, depending on how often you use your heating/cooling system. What’s more, according to Energy.Gov, you could save up between 5%- 15% on your energy bills.
The Thermostat is in the Wrong Place
The thermostat is the hub of your heating system. The best place to put your thermostat in your home is in the center of the house. It’ll help keep all rooms at a comfortable temperature.
Forgetting Tune-Ups
If your furnace needs a tune-up, you may be tempted to ignore the problem. But if you don’t take care of your furnace, it could cost you more money over time.
- A clean furnace filter can improve efficiency.
- An inefficient or dirty blower motor can cause excess wear on other system parts that require replacement sooner than necessary.
- A dirty evaporator coil will reduce airflow through it, causing higher energy use and increased wear on other parts of the system.
If your furnace is more than 10 years old, you should consider replacing it with a new, more efficient model.
Closing Registers and Vents
Closing off parts of your HVAC system may seem like a good way to keep cold air locked inside and warm air out, but it actually does the opposite. Closing vents and registers also allows more moisture into your home, which can cause mold growth.
Adjusting the Thermostat Too Much
You may be paying more than you need to on energy bills during the winter months because of a common misconception about how to save money on heating.
What’s more, cranking up the thermostat won’t heat your home any faster. The only thing it does is increase wear and tear on your heating system.
Prevent a HVAC breakdown this winter. Book a HVAC tune-up with the experts at JW Heating and Air.