Winter is coming, and that means it's time to start thinking about how to stay warm! Heating your home can be expensive, so it's important to make sure you're doing everything you can to optimize your heating system. In this blog post, Einstein's Plumbing & Heating, Inc. will discuss some of the most common mistakes people make when heating their homes. We will also provide tips on how to avoid these mistakes and save money this winter!
Forgetting to Schedule Maintenance
One of the common mistakes people make is not scheduling a professional tune-up for their heating system before the winter season. This is a crucial step in maintaining your heater and ensuring it runs efficiently all winter long. A professional tune-up will include cleaning the furnace, checking all the parts, and making any necessary repairs. This will help your furnace run more efficiently and prevent any unexpected breakdowns during the winter.
Constantly Turning Your Heater On and Off
Another mistake people make during the winter is constantly turning their heater on and off. You might think you can save energy by only having the heater on when you need it, but it causes your system to overwork itself if you turn it off and on each day. You can adjust the thermostat by a few degrees during the day when it’s sunny outside and open your curtains to let some natural light in. The sunlight will provide your home with a bit of extra heat for free!
Forgetting to Change Your Filter
Another mistake that can lead to an inefficient furnace is not changing the furnace filter regularly. Furnace filters should be changed every few months to ensure they are clean and working properly. A clogged or dirty filter will make your furnace work harder and use more energy.
Cranking the Thermostat
When the temperature outside starts to drop, it can be tempting to crank up the thermostat in an effort to stay warm. However, this is a very inefficient way to heat your home. It's best to keep your thermostat set at a moderate temperature and to dress warmly when inside.
Ignoring Drafts
Drafty homes can be challenging to keep warm in the winter. If you have drafts in your home, it's important to seal them up to prevent heat from escaping. There are a variety of ways to seal up drafts, such as weatherstripping and caulking.
Not Using a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are a great way to save energy and money during the winter months. These thermostats allow you to set different temperatures for different times of the day. For example, you can set the temperature to be lower when you're away from home or asleep. This will help you save energy and lower your heating bills.
Not Insulating Your Home
If your home is not properly insulated, it can be very difficult to keep it warm in the winter. Insulation helps to keep heat in your home and prevent it from escaping. There are a variety of ways to insulate your home, such as adding insulation to your attic or walls.
Closing the Vents
It would be best if you never closed the vents in unused rooms to make other areas of your home feel warmer. This causes stress on your heating system because it will still try to push heat through the vent, even if it is closed. For optimal performance, keep all of your vents open for even air circulation.
By following these tips, you can avoid making common heating mistakes this winter. By doing so, you'll save energy and money and keep your home more comfortable. If you happen to be in need of any heating repairs, contact Einstein's Plumbing & Heating, Inc. today by giving us a call at (718) 215-9664.