5 Home Heating Mistakes That May Be Racking Up Your Bill

It’s Winter, folks, and with it came the frigid weather. Snuggle up with your loved ones, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and read rising electricity bills by the fire.

If your household heating bill has skyrocketed since late-September, you might not be doing your due diligence as a consumer. Here are 5 common home heating mistakes and HVAC tips to reduce them.

1. Is That a Draft?

Probably the largest offender for hiking up electricity invoices are unresolved drafts.

A lot of older houses reacquire maintenance. The caulking used to mold together corners and crevices in your house won’t last forever. Replacing it, either by yourself or by a professional, is a good idea after a 5-year span.

Heat tends to escape through unnoticed gateways in windows or under doors. Preventing the airflow from happening will keep that warmth trapped inside your home.

2. Heating a House That’s Empty

You shouldn’t be wasting your money on a house that’s not being used full-time.

Some people own more than one house. You shouldn’t be keeping your vacation home or unrented property warm while nobody is occupying it. It’s an unnecessary strain on your wallet.

That being said, it’s also recommended not to turn off your HVAC during small leaves from the house, like going to work or the supermarket. Reheating the house costs more energy than maintaining its current climate.

3. HVAC Tips: Don’t Impede Airflow

Don’t close off doors or turn off vents.

You probably think, “if it’s not in use, the warm air will redirect itself to other rooms and spaces.” It might sound like a good idea, but avoid doing this.

Air conditioning units and structures were designed by professional engineers for optimal efficiency. When impeding airflow to or from the source, it creates an unneeded pressure in the unit. In fact, the HVAC will work less efficiently.

4. Other Heat Sources Shouldn’t Be Used Alone

It might be tempting to use a room heater or a modern, electric fireplace to heat your home instead of using your HVAC. But this is a common error. It’s actually more expensive to do this.

Efficiency is the best measure of energy. Using your central heat in the house is much more efficient than trying to heat an area with a high-power generator. If you’re going to use a mobile heater, use it in conjunction with the HVAC.

5. Neglecting Maintenance

Air filters and other maintenance is sometimes necessary to keep your AC unit functioning. You shouldn’t neglect any of your responsibilities, it’ll often lead to more expensive costs down-the-line.

Frequently check your air filters and replace them. Have air ducts and other structures of the HVAC inspected occasionally; technicians will spot a looming problem and it’ll save you money.

Stay Warm, Not Poor

Winter always brings the chills. It also brings the bills. Follow these HVAC tips to reduce your heating prices.

You should maintain your HVAC system diligently. Don’t heat empty houses, and don’t impede vents. Only use other heaters in conjunction with the central air.

Are you interested in reducing your bill further? Reach out to talk to us for further help.