When the temperatures drop, there’s nothing more comforting than having a warm home. Unfortunately, many homeowners fall into a number of bad heating habits that, while seeming cost effective, end up costing them in the long run. In this blog, we’ll delve into the most common home heating mistakes, offering practical advice and solutions so that you can make the most of your system this winter season.
Struggling to keep your home warm? The Rockwall heating technicians at Lyons Air & Heat are here to help ensure your system works as well as it should. We understand the importance of a well-functioning heater and can provide you with the expert interventions you need to get yours back up and running.
Call us at (214) 432-2859 or contact us online to schedule our services or to learn more about what we do.
Common Home Heating Mistakes
Whether you’ve got a dual-fuel system, furnace, or heat pump, being strategic with your heater use can help you save money on your energy bills and extend the life of your HVAC system. Below are some of the most common heating mistakes homeowners should avoid making in the wintertime.
Ignoring Regular Maintenance
One of the most prevalent yet overlooked heating mistakes is neglecting regular heater maintenance. Many homeowners forget that their HVAC system, like any piece of complex machinery, requires periodic check-ups to ensure efficient operation.
Skipping routine maintenance can lead to decreased energy efficiency, higher heating bills, and even premature breakdowns. By investing in annual or bi-annual maintenance checks, homeowners can save money in the long run and enjoy a consistently comfortable home environment.
Neglecting Air Filter Changes
A frequent yet often underestimated heating mistake is neglecting to change out dirty air filters regularly. Air filters play a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality but can easily become clogged with dust, pet dander, and other harmful air particles. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and force the system to work harder, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills.
Raising The Thermostat
Another common misconception among homeowners is that drastically raising the thermostat will heat the home faster. Heating systems work at a consistent rate, meaning that setting the thermostat to a very high temperature won’t warm the room quicker; it will just cause the system to run longer than necessary.
This not only strains the system, leading to potential wear and tear, but also results in excessive energy use. Additionally, if you have a heat pump, setting the thermostat too high could trigger the auxiliary heat to switch on. While this can help heat the room faster, aux heat uses a great deal of energy, significantly increasing heating costs.
Gaps In Window And Door Insulation
It can be extremely difficult to keep your home warm if you have leaky doors and windows. Even the smallest cracks or gaps around windows and doors can allow warm air to escape and cold air to infiltrate, undermining the efficiency of your system. These small openings can significantly contribute to heat loss, leading to an overworked heating system and inflated energy bills.
Depending On Secondary Heat Sources For Warm Air
A frequent heating mistake in many homes is an over-reliance on a secondary heat source, like a space heater, as a primary heating solution. While these devices can be useful for temporary or supplemental heating in small areas, they are not designed to replace a central heating system.
Overusing space heaters can lead to higher energy costs and an increased risk of fire or injury, if not used properly. If your heat pump or furnace isn’t working as efficiently as it should, it can be cheaper and safer to invest in quality heater repairs rather than invest in a few space heaters.
Shutting Vents And Doors
Another common but misguided practice in many homes is closing air vents and doors in empty or unused rooms to save on heating costs. While it might seem logical to only direct heat to occupied spaces, this approach can actually disrupt the balanced airflow of a central heating system, leading to increased pressure and reduced efficiency.
Closing vents can force the furnace to work harder to distribute heated air, potentially causing strain and premature wear on the system.
Outdated Thermostat
Using an outdated thermostat is a surprisingly common heating mistake with significant consequences. Older, non-programmable thermostats lack the precision and features of modern units, leading to inefficient heating control and higher energy bills. They often result in over or under-heating, as they cannot adapt to the varying needs of a household throughout the day.
Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat can make a substantial difference. These advanced thermostats allow homeowners to set heating schedules that align with their daily routines, ensuring that their system isn’t wasting energy heating an empty house.
Leaving The Exhaust Fan On
An exhaust fan can be a great tool when you need to vent moist or smelly air out of a room, but it can also be a heat vampire, feeding on your home’s warm air. Leaving exhaust fans running can cause your home to be drained of heated air, creating negative pressure, which can draw cold air into your home through gaps and leaks in the home’s exterior.
To maintain energy efficiency, it’s advisable to use these fans only when necessary and turn them off promptly after they’ve served their purpose.
Tips for Energy-Efficient Heating
Maximizing your home’s energy efficiency can not only decrease your heating and cooling costs but also increase the lifespan of your HVAC system, all without sacrificing your comfort. Below are some of the most effective ways to save energy in the winter without walking around your home in a coat.
- Utilize sunlight to keep rooms warm during the day
- Turn off the exhaust fans when they’re not being used
- Set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature
- Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans and run them on a low setting
- Seal and insulate leaky windows and doors
- Upgrade to a programmable thermostat
- Schedule regular furnace maintenance
- Upgrade to a more energy-efficient HVAC system
If you’re looking to upgrade your current heating system, it’s important to choose a reputable HVAC company that can help you choose the right system for your needs. At Lyons Air & Heat, we will evaluate the size, capacity, and insulation of your home to evaluate your needs, and will recommend a system that will be perfect for you and your family.
We can install your new heating system and can even provide you with regularly scheduled maintenance, ensuring it lasts for years to come. You can trust Lyons Air & Heat to keep your home cozy and your heating system running smoothly all year long.
Heating System Problems? How Lyons Air & Heat Can Help
If your home heating system is struggling to combat the frigid winter air, Lyons Air & Heat is here to help. Our experienced technicians are equipped to handle a wide range of heating issues, from routine maintenance and repairs to full system replacements. No matter your heating needs, the expert Rockwall HVAC technicians at Lyons Air & Heat won’t leave you out in the cold.
Call us at (214) 432-2859 or contact us online to schedule our services or to learn more about what we can do for you.
