Have you noticed an increase in your energy bills lately? Even if it seems to be working properly, your HVAC system may be the culprit. Too many homeowners neglect their HVAC systems and develop bad habits when it comes to their everyday use.
Avoiding these 6 costly mistakes can save you money and prolong the life of one of your home’s most important systems.
1. Adjusting the Thermostat too Frequently
If you’re constantly adjusting your thermostat, you’re wasting money and energy. There are a few reasons that drive people to continually fiddle with their thermostat, like trying to maintain the ideal temperature or attempting to lower their energy consumption. However, it’s much more efficient to simply swap your old thermostat for a programmable one.
The money-saving benefits of a programmable thermostat are undeniable. They can help you cut your energy costs by:
- Sticking to an automated schedule so you’re not heating or cooling your home while you’re away.
- Offering precise temperature control.
- Maintaining a consistent temperature in your home.
2. Placing Your Thermostat in the Wrong Location
Many homeowners don’t give much consideration to the location of their thermostat, but it can make a big difference when it comes to providing an accurate temperature reading.
Thermostats can detect heat from household appliances or heat from direct sunlight, rendering them unable to correctly regulate the temperature in your home and overworking your HVAC system.
To counter this, install your thermostat away from your kitchen and away from windows.
3. Not Changing Filters
Most professionals recommend changing your HVAC system’s air filters every 2-3 months. Dirty air filters collect dust and other contaminants, resulting in constructed airflow and putting a strain on your system. As a result, your HVAC system uses more energy, something that’s reflected on your electricity bill.
Get in the habit of changing your air filters every time the seasons change. It’s a simple way to stick to a regular maintenance routine and will save you money in the long run.
4. Closing and Blocking Vents
A common misconception is that closing or blocking air vents will redirect airflow to other areas of the house, increasing its efficiency in the desired room. For instance, a misguided homeowner may close the air vents in the downstairs portion of his home to force more air conditioning upstairs.
However, this couldn’t be further from the truth, and it will only cause the HVAC system to work harder to compensate for the disrupted airflow. Make sure all your vents are open and clear away any furniture that may be in the way.
5. Using an Old AC Unit
If you can’t remember when you last swapped out your AC unit, it’s probably old, outdated, and inefficient. A well-maintained AC unit only lasts about 15 years, but putting off maintenance and repairs can drastically reduce its lifespan.
Sky-high energy bills are one symptom of an AC unit on its last legs, so if you’ve noticed a dramatic increase in your electricity consumption it may be time to install a new air conditioner.
6. Neglecting Basic Maintenance
Your HVAC systems should be inspected at least once a year, though it’s commonly recommended to have your air conditioning serviced in the spring and your heating system serviced in the fall.
Regular inspection can identify problems before they become an emergency, prolong the life of your HVAC system, and guarantee your system’s efficiency so you don’t waste money and energy.
For your convenience and peace of mind, Comfort Experts Heating & Cooling offers a Comprehensive HVAC Maintenance Program that will ensure your HVAC system is working exactly as it should.
Correcting your energy-wasting heating and cooling mistakes will save you money. It will lower your energy bills and improve the efficiency of your HVAC system so it will continue to serve you well.
If you’re in need of HVAC service, the team of certified technicians at Comfort Experts Heating & Cooling
are standing by, ready to help you. Give them a call at (803) 525-0074