Your heating system plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe and comfortable living environment, especially during the colder months. However, many homeowners unknowingly make mistakes that can reduce their system’s efficiency. These blunders can increase energy bills or even shorten your system’s lifespan. It’s important to be aware of common heating mistakes to keep your system running smoothly and your home warm.
On Mode Instead of Auto Mode
One common mistake many homeowners make when starting their heating system for the season is turning their thermostat fan setting to the On position. It’s easy to think that On is the right setting as you want your fan to run. However, it’s important to realize that when your fan is set to On mode, it will run continuously. This means that it will blow air regardless of whether your heating system is on or off.
You don’t want your fan blowing air out of your vents when your heating system isn’t running, as it will be cold. Instead, you want to set your heating system to Auto mode. When your thermostat is adjusted to this mode, it will only run when your heating system turns on. This not only saves energy but also ensures that you’re only receiving hot air coming out of your supply vents.
Using an Outdated Thermostat
Another big mistake you want to avoid is using an outdated thermostat. Many older thermostats rely on a mercury thermometer to read the ambient temperature and only allow you to set one temperature. Over time, these mercury thermostats can become inaccurate. Additionally, modern thermostats, including programmable and smart models, will enable you to create a heating schedule based on your specific needs.
You can set your thermostat to a lower temperature when you’re not at home or when everyone is asleep to save money on energy bills and extend the overall lifespan of your heating system. Some of the more advanced smart thermostats will even get to know your habits and automatically adjust your heating system accordingly for optimal comfort and energy efficiency.
Not Using Ceiling Fans
No homeowner wants to overspend on their heating bills for the winter months. If you’re not using ceiling fans in your home, you’re making a misstep when it comes to energy savings. When you adjust ceiling fans to rotate clockwise, they force warm air stuck at the top of the room outward and back down to the floor. This is ideal for winter, as hot air rises and can get stuck at the top of your living spaces.
Ceiling fans can reduce how often your heating system needs to run by recirculating warm air. Installing fans in each main room of your home, including bedrooms, can enhance comfort and reduce heating costs. For even greater efficiency, consider investing in smart fans. These fans are equipped with sensors that detect motion and automatically adjust their speed or turn off when no one is in the room, helping to conserve energy and lower utility bills.
Neglecting Filter Changes
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when it comes to their heating systems is not keeping up with regular filter changes. An air filter protects your HVAC equipment by preventing dirt and debris from entering your heater and damaging its internal components. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality by capturing airborne contaminants that would otherwise recirculate through your living spaces. However, a clogged filter reduces airflow through your system, reducing its ability to heat your home effectively.
HVAC experts recommend changing your filters at least every three months. However, you may need to change yours out more often based on factors like how many people live in your home, if you have pets, and how frequently your heating system runs. Many homeowners inspect their filters once a month to ensure they know when they need attention. Additionally, keeping a spare filter on hand ensures you can quickly replace it when needed.
Closing Air Vents
Probably one of the biggest misconceptions out there about wintertime heating efficiency is closing air vents. The mentality behind this misconception is that, by closing the vents in rooms that you don’t use, more of your hot air can be delivered to the rooms that you do. The problem with closing vents is that they can create an imbalance of pressure inside your forced-air system. This will put additional strain on your system and cause its efficiency to drop. It’s best to keep all of your vents open and ensure no household items, such as curtains and area rugs, are blocking them.
Not Sealing Up Air Leaks
You can save yourself a bundle on your energy bills by investing some time in sealing up air leaks. These are most common around door and window frames as well as at the light switches and outlets on your exterior walls.
To detect air leaks, perform a simple test using a candle or incense stick. Light it and hold it close to the edges of windows, door frames, and outlets; if the smoke wavers, there’s likely an air leak. You can also use your hand to feel for temperature differences or drafts.
To seal these leaks, use caulking or weatherstripping around door and window frames to create a tight seal. Consider installing foam gasket inserts behind the cover plates for electrical outlets and light switches to block airflow and improve energy efficiency.
Blocking Out Sunlight
One of the greatest sources of free heat is the sun. During the cold winter months, it’s never a good idea to shut out direct sunlight coming into your home. This sunlight can heat up a room by 10 degrees or more. For every degree that natural sunlight heats up a room, it saves energy. Make it a habit to open curtains and blinds to let in sunlight, especially in rooms that face south.
Not Investing in Maintenance Service
Another blunder that homeowners can make when it comes to their heating system is not investing in annual maintenance service. Annual maintenance is necessary to ensure that your heating system’s internal components are functioning optimally. During their visit, a professional will also detect and solve potential problems. Tune-ups dramatically reduce your risk of experiencing an unexpected breakdown. It’s best to opt for maintenance in the fall to ensure your heating system is ready for winter weather.
Additionally, most heating system manufacturers require you to get professional maintenance each year to maintain the warranty coverage on your system. Failing to do so could void the warranty and leave you paying out of pocket for future repair bills.
Contact the Heating Experts
We Care Plumbing, Heating, and Air has been serving the residents of Temecula, CA and the surrounding areas since 2000. We install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. We can also help with all your indoor air quality and plumbing needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
