6 Common Home Heating Mistakes That Increase Your Energy Bills
January 6, 2022Homeowners pay close attention to their heating bills, and for good reason. And even though you try to find ways to be energy efficient, there may be some things you might be missing. Here are some common home heating mistakes that increase your energy bills:
Mistake #1 – Heating an Empty Home
Not turning down the heat while you’re away is a big mistake. Even if you’re just at work for the day, heating your home as if you’re there can waste heat and drastically raise your heating bill. Make it a habit to turn down the heat while you’re out for the day. But, make sure you’re not turning it down too low. It can take a lot of energy to bring it up to your regular temperature.
You could also consider investing in a smart thermostat. Installing a smart thermostat is one of the tips for building an energy-efficient custom home. Smart thermostats allow you to program your heat to lower and raise temperatures at certain times of the day, saving you money.
Some even allow for access via a smartphone or app. This gives you the ability to control your thermostat while you’re out. This way, you can keep your home at a lower temperature but then warm up your home right before you arrive home.
Mistake #2 – Forgetting to Change Your Air Filters
Clogged air filters keep your furnace from working efficiently. A furnace that isn’t working efficiently means a higher heating bill. It also can damage your heating unit and bring on respiratory problems, like asthma and allergies.
Set up a reminder to check your air filters every few months. Take out the filter and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see the light through the filter, it’s too dirty and needs to be replaced or cleaned.
Mistake #3 – Cranking Up the Thermostat
If your home is cold, it can be tempting to turn up the thermostat by a few degrees or more. However, this simply means it increases how long your heating system operates. This actually can lead to higher heating bills.
Set your thermostat to the same temperature and just let it run its cycle. If you feel like your home takes too long to heat up, consider evaluating your insulation. Heat may be escaping in places, which means it is harder to heat your home.
Mistake #4 – Not Locking Your Windows
Another mistake you might be making is not making sure your windows are locked. Even though your windows are shut, heat can still escape through cracks. Locking your windows ensures a tight seal. Make it a habit to lock your windows when cold weather begins to set in.
Mistake #5 – Closing Vents in Unused Rooms
It might feel smarter to close off vents in rooms you’re not using, but this can actually make your furnace run less efficiently. The ductwork for your heating system is designed to evenly heat your home. Closing vents disrupts the balance and makes your furnace work harder than it should.
Mistake #6 – Not Scheduling Regular Furnace Maintenance
Don’t neglect regular furnace maintenance! Furnaces require regular checkups to make sure everything is running smoothly and efficiently. An efficient furnace means lower heating bills in the long run.
Plus, regular maintenance can catch problems before they become an emergency, also saving you money in the long run. Regular maintenance is important for your furnace, and for any other heating elements you have. Regular chimney cleaning and inspection keep your heating efficient and help reduce fire risk as well.
Assess your home to see if these are some common home heating mistakes that increase your energy bills. Implementing changes to fix these mistakes can help you save on your heating bills this winter!