With all the information about energy efficiency circulating on the internet and elsewhere, you would think that homeowners would know all the tips and tricks for running and maintaining their heating system. Unfortunately, it seems that homeowners are making the same home heating mistakes over and over again.
These home heating mistakes result in expensive repairs, larger utility bills, and significant health problems.
Here are our Top 5 Home Heating Mistakes People Make Every Winter:
1. Installing a Thermostat On Your Own
Although it is possible to install a programmable thermostat that works properly by yourself, it is not likely. With boiler and heat pumps especially, it is easy to buy and install the wrong type of thermostat. You can save a lot of money on your heating bill by switching to a programmable thermostat, but all those savings could go to waste if you try to DIY the project.
Newer thermostats, like the Nest Learning Thermostat, Honeywell Lyric and Ecobee3, can drastically reduce your heating bill. In addition to cutting utility bills, programmable thermostats also extend the life of your HVAC system by only using it when YOU need it. Why would you be heating your home at a constant temperature if you are not there, or asleep.
For maximum savings, have a professional install or replace a programmable thermostat in your home. And remember, in order to reap the benefits, you must remember to actually “program” it.
Although many people think that cranking up their thermostat will heat their home faster, that doesn’t mean it is true. In fact, not only is this advice factually incorrect, it could also result in many unwanted problems.
No matter what temperature your set your thermostat to, your heater will pump out the same amount of heat as always. The thermostat setting merely let’s your heater know when the home has reached the desired temperature and then it shuts off.
The problem with cranking up the thermostat is that it does nothing to heat your home faster and many people forget to reset it back to its normal setting, resulting in an overheated home, higher utility bills, and unnecessary HVAC operation.
3. Ignoring Odors and Masking Them With Air Fresheners
Nobody likes pungent odors in their home, but masking them with sprays and candles is not a good idea. Some odors, like a rotten egg smell, can indicate that your have a gas leak somewhere in the house. Other smells, like mold or must, indicate that you have ventilation and moisture problems.
During winter months especially, indoor air quality becomes a real issue. Dirty and leaking air ducts, combined with dirty air filters creates an indoor health hazard.
Make sure you are checking and/or replacing your air filters every month, but if there is still a lingering smell, have a professional air quality inspector diagnose the problem and help you get rid of the source.
There are many ways that you can help combat indoor air quality issues in the home, which the EPA estimates to be up to 5 times as polluted as outdoor air. Check out our blog for 15 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality.
4. Forgetting About Your Curtains
When the sun is out, make sure to take advantage of the sunlight and open your shades. When you leave for work in the morning, open all of your shades, but also keep valuable possessions out of line of sight from the outside, like laptops, tablets, phones, TVs, and jewelry. The temptation may be too great for some to pass up.
To ensure maximum heat transfer, routinely clean your windows. Dust and grime will block or filter out the sun’s rays. Also, consider investing in heavy drapes if you don’t have them already. Keep them closed when the sun is hidden. These drapes are often advertised as “thermal” curtains or drapes. You can look at some here.
Another way that you can void your warranty is by failing to register it. Many HVAC warranties require you to register you new system online or by mail. If you choose a licensed and qualified installer to install your new HVAC system, they will usually walk you through the process and even register the product for you.
Keep your proof of maintenance just in case. Doing these two things as well as signing up for an annual HVAC maintenance plan will ensure that your warranty remains valid for however long the coverage lasts.
For more information on home heating mistakes and how to save money on your home heating and water heating bills:
With generations of experience delivering the highest quality service available to over 100,000 customers, Gold Medal Service has become a leader in the industry with its A+ rating with the BBB. Gold Medal Service is the trusted and reliable provider for plumbing, heating, cooling, electric, and drain & sewer cleaning services in New Jersey.
With generations of experience delivering the highest quality service available to over 100,000 customers, Gold Medal Service has become a leader in the industry with its A+ rating with the BBB. Gold Medal Service is the trusted and reliable provider for plumbing, heating, cooling, electric, and drain & sewer cleaning services in New Jersey.
