The average monthly electric bill for a home in the US is just over $111.
That number can fluctuate greatly depending on where you live and, of course, how much energy you use. If you live somewhere with any kind of winter, your increased use of heating likely results in much higher bills.
But there are ways to mitigate the cost of your heating bill by avoiding common heating mistakes. By keeping these in mind, you’ll also improve the lifespan of your HVAC system.
Keep reading to learn the 6 common heating mistakes that could be costing you money.
1. Not Using Weatherstripping
Old and new homes alike can have air gaps. Those gaps allow air to escape from your home and air from the outside to get in.
Both of those situations means your HVAC system has to work extra hard to keep your home heated. That, in turn, decreases its lifespan and also increases the number of system failures you’ll have.
The good news is that air gaps are easy to treat. All you need are draft stoppers and weatherstripping around doors and windows.
2. Not Locking Your Windows
If you don’t lock your windows, you’re creating an air gap. The little lock on your window pulls the window against the frame, minimizing gaps and stopping air from escaping or entering.
And while you want to be sure to lock your windows, you’ll also want to remember to keep them open on sunny days. Not the window itself, but the blinds or drapes should be opened on sunny days. This is a natural and efficient way to warm your house.
3. Rushing
If you walk into a cold house, you want to heat it up quickly. To do so, you turn up the thermostat higher than you actually need it. But, unlike your car, your furnace doesn’t work faster just because you’ve cranked up the thermostat.
Your furnace only heats at one speed. And that speed also depends on the power output, insulation levels, make, and model. So rather than heating up your home faster, you’ll just overwork your heating system and end up with a higher utility bill and more repairs.
4. Closing Vents
The vents and ducts of your HVAC system need to be open in order to allow the air to flow throughout the home. If there’s a place where the air can’t flow, this will cause the system to back up. This causes your HVAC system to work harder, increasing the amount of energy used and the potential for damage.
Don’t close vents and ducts, even in rooms that aren’t being used. Instead, just close them slightly and leave the door ajar.
5. Using Dirty Filters
A dirty air filter stops the air from flowing freely throughout the home. Like a closed vent or duct, that causes your HVAC system to work overtime.
This is why it’s essential to change your filter on a regular basis. For most homes, that means a filter change every three months.
6. Regular Maintenance to Avoid Common Heating Mistakes
An HVAC system that’s not working properly is inefficient. This means you spend more on energy and repairs.
To ensure that your HVAC is working as well as it can, you need to perform regular maintenance. And by you, we mean calling a professional. They’ll be able to spot issues before they become more expensive.
All About Your Home
These common heating mistakes can cause your HVAC system to work harder, increase your energy bill, and increase the number of repairs you have to perform. But they’re easy enough to get under control, especially if you have a professional who can help you perform regular maintenance on your machine.
And for more tips and advice all about your home, be sure to check out our home improvement blog regularly.
