If you feel as if your heating bills are abnormally high this winter, we promise you aren’t alone! Many homeowners overlook similar aspects about their heating system, which results in high energy costs. In this blog, we will list common home heating mistakes to keep your home cozy and your bills low.
Avoid These Common Mistakes!
If your heating system is not operating efficiently, your energy costs will reflect it. There are many components that play into your heating system’s energy efficiency. If one of the components is obstructed or malfunctioning, your heating system will use more energy to effectively heat your home. An overworked heating unit can lead to a costly repair or uncomfortable breakdown, which is why we are here to help avoid these mistakes. Below we have listed six common heating mistakes that can affect your comfort and heating bills.
- Ignoring Air Filters
- Cranking Up The Thermostat
- Neglecting Heating Maintenance
- Closing Blinds & Curtains During The Day
- Forgetting To Lock Windows
- Closing Air Vents
Ignoring Air Filters
Air passes through air filters before entering your home. If air filters are dirty, your heating system struggles to push air through and uses more energy to do so. If homeowners ignore changing their air filters, their air quality, airflow, energy bills, and comfort will suffer. It is important to change your air filters at least every 90 days to maximize efficiency and keep your heating unit working properly.
Cranking Up The Thermostat
Contrary to popular belief, cranking your home’s thermostat up all the way will not heat your home faster. Your heating system will produce heat at the same rate regardless of the thermostat setting, because turning up the thermostat just means it will produce heat longer until it meets the set temperature. This process can drive up heating costs due to the energy consumed attempting to achieve the high setting.
Neglecting Heating Maintenance
Heating maintenance is one of the most beneficial ways to keep your home comfortable and your energy costs low. Much like annual doctor’s appointments, your heating system should be seen by a professional once a year. If heating systems are ignored, they could be operating with an underlying issue and driving up bills. Unfortunately, underlying issues are hard to notice until it results in a costly breakdown. With our heating maintenance service, an All-Temp technician can thoroughly inspect, identify problems, repair parts, and prevent new issues from arising. Heating maintenance in Staunton is a preventative service that will lower energy costs and keep your home warm all winter long.
Closing Blinds & Curtains During The Day
Natural sunlight is a cost effective and easy way to keep your home heated, and homeowners often make the mistake of closing blinds and curtains during the day. Closed blinds, drapes, and curtains block sunlight and heat gain from entering your home. If you are looking to lower heating costs this winter, consider keeping your blinds and curtains open during the day and closing them for privacy at night.
Forgetting To Lock Windows
While remembering to lock windows is important for your safety, it can also help keep warm air in your home. Unlocked windows are not sealed tightly and can allow cold, outside air to enter. If warm air is escaping or cold air is entering, your heating unit works harder and uses more energy to meet the thermostat setting. Additionally, it is important to identify and seal air leaks on windows, doors, and other cracks to keep bills low.
Closing Air Vents
Many homeowners believe closing air vents in unused rooms will help save on heating costs, but this is not the case. Your heating system is sized to properly heat your home, and closing vents throws off the unit’s distribution balance. This creates additional stress and pressure which can lead to air leaks in your ductwork. Closed vents decrease energy efficiency and can raise heating bills. We recommend ensuring all air vents are open, clean, and clear of furniture to maximize efficiency, airflow, and comfort in your home.
How To Lower Heating Bills In Staunton
There are many simple steps homeowners can take to lower heating costs while remaining comfortable in the winter season. Below we have listed seven tips to keep heating bills low and piggy banks full.
- Seal Air Leaks
- Insulate Your Home
- Maintain Clean Air Filters
- Schedule Heating Maintenance
- Utilize Your Ceiling Fan In Heating Mode
- Install A Smart Thermostat
- Regularly Clean Your Heating System
Avoiding just one of the many home heating mistakes can help keep your energy bills low and your home warm and cozy. To schedule heating maintenance or repair in Waynesboro, give us a call! We are here to maintain your home comfort each season.
