.2301030823550.jpg)
7 Common Home Heating Mistakes to Avoid
As the temperatures drop, you’ll want to ensure your home heating system is up and running. Unfortunately, many homeowners make mistakes in home heating that can cost them a lot of money in the long run. Here are seven common home heating mistakes you should avoid this winter season.
1. Not Scheduling Regular Maintenance
It’s essential to have regular maintenance done on your HVAC system, especially before cold weather sets in. An HVAC technician can inspect and clean your system, replace filters, and ensure everything runs smoothly for the winter months ahead.
2. Setting the Thermostat Too High or Low
Many people make the mistake of setting their thermostats too high or low in an effort to save energy costs. However, this actually does not save energy; instead, it causes your furnace or heat pump to work harder than necessary and will likely result in higher energy costs in the long run.
Instead, keep your thermostat set at 68 degrees during colder months; any lower than that won’t significantly reduce your energy bills but will cause your furnace to work overtime.
3. Not Sealing Windows and Doors Properly
If you have air leaks around windows and doors, it can cause significant heat loss throughout your house—which means more money out of pocket as your furnace has to work harder to keep warm air inside. Keep all windows and doors properly sealed with caulk or weather stripping so warm air stays in, and cold air stays out this season.
4. Not Insulating Attics Properly
A poorly insulated attic can lead to a decrease in efficiency for both cooling systems and heating systems alike. In other words, if you don’t properly insulate your attic space, you’re losing money on both ends. Ensure your attic is sufficiently insulated with fiberglass insulation or another type of insulation material, so that warm air doesn’t escape from upstairs rooms during colder months.
5. Not Cleaning Air Vents Regularly
This may seem insignificant, but dirty air vents can affect how efficiently heat moves throughout the house—and how much it costs each month. Dust buildup can clog filters in ductwork, preventing airflow from moving freely throughout a home—so be sure to clean all vents regularly with a vacuum cleaner attached with a brush head attachment.
6. Ignoring Unusual Noises and Smells From Furnace Unit
Most furnaces aren’t going to be perfectly silent while they run; however, if you notice any unusual noises coming from yours, such as banging or screeching sounds, then something could be wrong with one of its components, like a blower motor or fan belt.
Additionally, if any strange smells are coming from it, such as burning rubber, there may be something wrong with some wiring or other parts. Either way, these problems should be addressed by an HVAC professional so they don’t cause further damage down the line.
7. Not Investing In Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats allow homeowners to control their home temperature settings without manually adjusting them every day or week - saving time and money on energy bills by automatically adjusting temperatures based on user preferences and schedules, like turning down temperature overnight. Plus, most models look sleek and modern - adding extra appeal when entering living spaces.
Heating your home can be cheap; however, many homeowners make common mistakes that cost them more money than they need to. By avoiding these common mistakes and relying on Reddick & Sons Inc. for your home’s heating needs, like maintenance and repairs, your system will be in good shape. Let us take care of your system year-round, and call us at (703) 348-9881 to schedule your appointment.