Are you prepared for winter? While winter comes with fun activities like sledding, building snowmen with the kids, and holiday music, it also comes with responsibilities around the house. One of those responsibilities is ensuring you use your heating system efficiently to stay warm and safe this season. A great way to do this is to remember to avoid making common heating mistakes. In this blog post, Great Lakes Heating & Air Conditioning will discuss some of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to heating their home. We'll provide tips on how to avoid these mistakes, so you can stay comfortable and safe all winter long!
Not Scheduling a Professional Tune-Up
One of the common mistakes people make is not scheduling a professional tune-up for their heating system. While you may think you can save some money by skipping this step, it could end up costing you more in the long run. A professional tune-up will ensure that your system runs efficiently and catch any potential problems before they become major repairs.
Cranking the Heat Up Too High
Another mistake people make is cranking up the heat too high in an attempt to warm up their home quickly. While this may seem like a good idea, it can do more harm than good. Cranking up the heat too high can put a strain on your heating system, leading to higher energy bills and potential repairs.
Turning the Heat On and Off Throughout the Day
On days when it’s not as cold outside, don’t turn your heat off completely and then turn it back on at night. Adjust the thermostat by a few degrees and let the sunshine in by opening your blinds for some added heat. Turning your system off and on again will cause it to overwork itself, which will waste energy and result in a high utility bill.
Not Changing Your Air Filters
Another common mistake is forgetting to change your air filters regularly. Your air filter helps to trap dirt, dust, and other airborne particles that can cause allergies or respiratory problems. If you don't change your air filter often, it can become clogged and cause your heating system to work harder than necessary.
Ignoring Strange Noises Coming From Your Heater
If you start noticing strange noises from your furnace, it's important to take action immediately. These noises could indicate a serious problem that needs to be fixed. Ignoring the problem could lead to further damage and costly repairs.
Using Space Heaters Incorrectly
Space heaters are a great way to supplement your heating system, but they must be used correctly. Space heaters should never be left unattended and should always be turned off when you leave the room. In addition, make sure to keep them away from flammable materials such as curtains or furniture. Space heaters should also never be used in place of your heating system.
Closing Vents
If you think closing the vents in unused rooms will make other areas of your home warmer, this is false. Closing your vents will only cause your heater to overwork itself, stressing your system out and wasting energy. Your heating system won’t know that the vents are closed, so it will still try to push heat out of the closed vents. You’re better off keeping all of your vents open for even circulation around your house.
By following these tips, you can avoid making common heating mistakes this winter. If you have any concerns about your heating system or need repairs, be sure to contact Great Lakes Heating & Air Conditioning for help. You can give us a call at (574) 498-7556 or fill out our online contact form to make your appointment, and we’ll make sure your home is comfortable this season.