Top Heating Errors That Are Increasing Your Energy Bills

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Guest Author:  Shelby Bartz

If you live in Cincinnati, you know how important it is to keep your heating system running smoothly throughout the winter months. Unfortunately, many homeowners make mistakes that cost them money and lead to higher energy bills. In this blog, we’ll discuss the top heating errors that increase your energy bills and how to avoid them.

Poor Insulation

If your home doesn’t have enough insulation, your heating system will have to work harder to keep it warm than it needs to. It can cause your energy bills to be much higher than they need to be. The only way to combat this is to have a professional improve your home’s insulation. While it could initially cost more, the money you will save over time by using less energy to heat your home will make it a great investment.

Neglecting Regular Maintenance

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is not taking care of their heating system on a regular basis. Not only does this mean that minor issues are more likely to become major problems, but it can also cause your system to run inefficiently. It can result in higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan for your heating system.

It is important to do regular maintenance on your heating system to make sure it works as well and efficiently as possible. A trained HVAC technician can check your system to ensure everything is working well and look for signs of trouble. They can also fix or adjust your system as needed to make sure it works well.

Not Considering Upgrade Options

You might want to think about replacing your heating system if it is older than ten years. Older systems can be inefficient and cost you more on your energy bills. Newer systems are designed to be more energy-efficient, saving you money in the long run.

When you’re shopping for a new system, make sure to look for systems with a high HVAC energy efficiency rating (2023). The higher the rating, the more you’ll save on energy bills. The Department of Energy will update its rating system for energy efficiency in 2023, so it’s important to pay attention to the ratings when looking for a new system.

Not Investing in an AC Maintenance Plan

You should also think about buying an AC maintenance plan in addition to a high-efficiency system. Long-term, these programs can help you save money and make sure that your system works well.

Most maintenance plans for air conditioners include regular inspections and tune-ups to make sure the system is working well. It can also provide discounts on repairs and replacements, which can help you save money in the event of an unexpected breakdown.

Not Understanding How Thermostat Works

When the temperature outside drops, trying to speed-heat your home by cranking up the thermostat can be tempting. However, this will not heat your home any faster and will only cause your home to become too hot and waste energy.

To keep temperatures within comfortable ranges and save energy, patience is key. Instead of trying to change the temperature by turning up the thermostat, it is best to wait until the recommended 68 F temperature is reached on its own.

Not Using a Programmable Thermostat

Surprisingly, many homeowners still need to use their programmable thermostats to their full advantage. These devices make it easy and cheap to keep your home at the right temperature and your HVAC system running well.

With a programmable thermostat, you can decide when to heat or cool your home, make sure the temperature is the same everywhere, and make the most of zoned heating. All of these features provide significant savings in both energy and money, making a programmable thermostat one of the most valuable investments you can make for your home.

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Shutting Down the Thermostat When No One is Home

Rather than turning off the heat entirely when you’re not at home, it is more energy efficient to adjust the thermostat settings manually or use a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature.

During the cold months, you can save energy and money by turning down the heat by 7 to 10 degrees while away. It will keep your home at a comfortable temperature when you get back. Insulation also plays a role in maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home when the heat is turned down. If your home is not well insulated, there may be more energy-efficient options than turning off the heat.

Conclusion

If you want to save money on energy bills, it’s important to avoid common heating mistakes. Make sure to spend money on regular maintenance, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency system, and buy a maintenance plan for your air conditioner. Doing so can help ensure your system is running efficiently and can help you save money in the long run.

About the author:  Shelby Bartz is the new Content Editor of Precision Air & Plumbing, a full-service HVAC, plumbing, and home performance contractor operating in Chandler, Arizona. Shelby is a devoted bookworm but when she isn’t reading, you’ll find her cruising around town with her beloved ginger husky, Maxxy.