Winter HVAC Mistakes to Avoid: What NOT to Do to Stay Warm and Save Money
As the temperatures drop, and your heat kicks in, your electric or gas bill may also increase. While it’s tempting to try everything you can to save money around the house, there are some things that cause more harm than good.
Top Mistakes to Avoid
1. Don’t Close the Vents. You have an extra bedroom, bonus room, or office that you just no longer use, so why heat it, right? Wrong! Closing the vents in unused rooms can actually cause your HVAC unit to work overtime to compensate by trying to keep the rest of the house warm. Keeping your air flowing freely throughout the entire house will keep the temperature in your home more consistent and your unit running most efficiently.
2. Don’t Skimp on the Air Filters. You may look at your filters and think, “they’re not really that dirty.” An air filter is a fairly inexpensive way to keep your air flowing freely throughout your home so change them regularly.
3. Don’t Put Off Maintenance. When the gas light comes on in your car, you don’t just keep driving until it stops working. Your HVAC unit works the same way. Testing it or waiting to see how long it can last, could take years worth of use from your system. A semi-annual maintenance plan keeps it running smoothly in the hot months and again when the air turns cooler, too.
4. Don’t Turn the Heat Off Completely. If you’re away during the holiday season, winter vacation, or just during the day for work you should NOT turn the heat off completely. In cold temperatures turning the heat off can cause pipes to freeze, bust, and cause major condensation and mildew in your home, too. A smart or programmable thermostat is a good option if you wish to put your heat and air on a unique schedule while you’re away.
5. Don’t Rely on a Space Heater Alone. A space heater can be used as a temporary source of heating or for an extra boost for a small space. However, constantly using a small heater in a large space can actually raise your electric bill by causing inconsistent temperatures.
This season don’t skimp where it matters when it comes to heating your home. Call Thornton’s Heating & Air for a free estimate if you think you may need a new unit or schedule your winter tune up today!
