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In order to make the most of your home’s heating system, you need the right technology, but you also need good heating habits. Oftentimes, the mistakes homeowners make when it comes to their furnaces or boilers simply comes down to a lack of knowledge. Hopefully, this blog can help bridge that gap. These are some of the most common home heating mistakes and how to fix them!
Never Restrict Your Home’s Airflow!
Many people don’t realize that not all furnaces are the same. In fact, your heater has to be properly sized for the home that it’s heating. Essentially, it’s a big math equation. How big is the space and how much do we need to heat it? When you restrict airflow, your unit doesn’t know that the dimensions have changed and will keep humming along as usual.
The result is that you end up not saving any energy. In fact, depending on where your thermostats are located you could end up running your heater more than you wanted to since your system can keep trying to heat up the room with restricted airflow.
Instead, allow air to flow freely throughout your home. Don’t close doors for rooms you don’t want to be heated. Don’t block air vents. You won’t save money and you could end up damaging your system.
Don’t Ignore Those Drafts
You cannot have an efficiently running heating system if there are air leaks throughout your home. While no home has a perfect seal from the outside world, the closer we can get the better! If you notice a hallway or window that seems drafty, don’t just ignore it. It’s very easy to seal a window with a bit of grout for very cheap and afterward your heater can do so much more for you.
If this is a constant issue for you, there are other ways you can insulate your home. Weatherstripping under your doors and double-paned windows both are great options to step up your efficiency.
Clean or Replace Those Filters
Air filters are a commonly neglected aspect of your HVAC system. Depending on your system you either need to clean your filter or replace them monthly. Either way, you need to do this every month in order for the optimal health and efficiency of your system.
Beyond that, air filters are the last line of defense against the dirt, dust, and allergens that can cause respiratory problems and worsen your indoor air quality. Floor vents should also be cleaned because these can easily fill with dirt and dust bunnies and even toys and other bits and bobs that end up on your floor.
Install a Smart Thermostat
While the last tip adds to your monthly chores, this one can increase your heating efficiency while also giving you less work. Smart thermostats run between $100 and $200 but can make up their costs in less than two years depending on your previous furnace use.
A smart thermostat will allow you to program when you want your home’s temperature to change. For example, if you work throughout the day, your home probably doesn’t need to be heated as high during that time. Some of the more advanced smart thermostats will allow you to change the temperature in your home from an app on your phone, so you can get your heater working while you’re making your commute back home. This way you get the best of both worlds—a lower bill and a cozy home when you get off work.
Technology alone can’t get you as energy-efficient as you want to be. You also need good habits that can get you the most out of your system. We hope these tips help!
Having issues with your heating system? Call Meyer’s Companies at (219) 240-0610 or fill out an online contact form!