Do you struggle to maintain energy efficiency while heating your Glastonbury, CT, home? Schedule an appointment with SM Mechanical Services to diagnose the problem at (860) 544-2026!
When cold weather hits your location, you may feel tempted to crank up the thermostat or pull the blinds down to keep warm temperatures insulated indoors. But these home heating mistakes will cost you in the long run. If you want to keep your house comfortable and your power bills low, avoid making the following mistakes provided by Manchester’s HVAC professionals.
1. Leaving Your Windows Unlocked
Opening your windows during mild autumn weather allows fresh air to circulate into your home. Of course, you shut them once temperatures drop. However, many think closing their windows does enough to keep cold air out. In reality, outside air still seeps into unsecured windows easily, while warm air escapes from your heating source, creating a draft. Make sure to lock your windows once you shut them.
2. Using Old Air Filters
If you haven’t changed your air filter in six months, go ahead and do so! New air filters provide indoor air quality solutions and a way to save money. Dirty air filters circulate allergens and dust particles while forcing your primary heating equipment to work harder. Once you change your air filters, you’ll breathe easier from clean air and lower your bills.
3. Keeping Your Vents Closed
Many homeowners believe the myth that closing vents in unoccupied rooms saves money. If you have a large home, you’ll want to concentrate the heat in the most occupied areas. However, closed vents only disrupt the airflow balance. Depending on your thermostat location, they also cause inaccurate temperature readings. Leave all vents open to maximize your home heating efficiency.
4. Changing Your Thermostat Settings Too Quickly
When leaving for work in the morning, you probably turn the thermostat to a lower setting to save money. But have you ever turned it off completely or picked such a low temperature that the thermostat barely runs? If so, change your habits to maintain settings no lower than 60 degrees. When you crank up your thermostat, your heating source must work harder to meet your demands. This hikes up your energy bills while putting unnecessary stress on your system.
5. Closing Your Blinds and Curtains
While blinds and curtains provide necessary insulation and privacy at night, they lock out a free heat source during the day. The sun heats your home free of charge during daylight hours. Remember to open your curtains and blinds each morning before you start your day. Sunlight does the heavy lifting for a few hours, allowing your heating system to rest. Plus, natural light adds cheer to any atmosphere.
6. Leaving the Heat on When Nobody’s Home
With your busy schedule, you might forget to change your thermostat settings before leaving for work. However, it costs lots of money to keep an empty house comfortable. It also depreciates your HVAC system for no reason.
When you lower the heat settings between 60 and 65 degrees before leaving, you give your wallet and heating equipment a break. Set reminders to change your thermostat settings before you leave the house each day. Programmable thermostats also have features that allow multiple changes on a set schedule.
7. Forgetting To Turn Your Exhaust Fans Off
Most bathrooms and kitchens come equipped with exhaust fans. They pull humid or unpleasant air out of the vicinity, keeping it from permeating your home. However, they also suck warm air out of the area. Don’t forget to turn them off when you finish using them. Keep your heat inside where it should stay. This mistake seems small but makes a big difference in the long run.
8. Not Addressing Drafts
Have you ever felt a chill or stream of cool air in an area of your home? Investigate it when you get the chance. Many homeowners ignore uncharacteristically cold air streaming through their houses. However, warm air escapes through small openings like cracks. Cold air slips through in its place, forcing your heating system to work overtime to keep your home warm.
Attics and basements often go unchecked, making them likely draft locations. Doors and windows also allow cold air to leak inside. Caulking provides an easy solution. Purchase a caulk gun from a local hardware store, then seal the spaces where cold air moves through. You can also seal spaces beneath doors with towels or foam.
9. Avoiding Routine Maintenance
If you skip out on routine HVAC maintenance checks to save money, you’re actually doing the opposite. HVAC professionals address any furnace issues during their checks, saving you from an unforeseen emergency. During a dark winter night, the last thing you need is a malfunctioning heating system.
Routine appointments ensure that all system equipment functions properly with no discernable damage since the last visit. Your contractor will also recommend any utility service or product needed to improve performance and save money, as when a refrigerant line springs a leak, preventing your unit from working safely and effectively. Sometimes, a thermostat installation can save you hundreds.
Regardless of the situation, schedule your routine maintenance appointments twice yearly to save money and avoid serious problems. Your air conditioning unit lasts longer and works better in the long run. Plus, few people know more about easy energy-efficient tips than your local HVAC experts.
Schedule a Routine Maintenance Check With SM Mechanical Services Today
By avoiding these home heating mistakes every day, you save money, time, and stress when dealing with your heating system. Take the next step and schedule a heating system checkup with us at SM Mechanical Services in Glastonbury, CT. We understand the importance of a comfortable home during harsh Connecticut winters. Our utility services cover the most important basics of a modern home: plumbing, heating, and ventilation.
Discover how our services will save you money. Schedule your quote at (860) 544-2026 with SM Mechanical Services today.