Even in Florida your heater can work hard during some of the colder winter days. So, what can you do to improve efficiency and increase overall performance of your heater during these times? Sometimes addressing what not to do can be as beneficial as what to do. Here are the most common HVAC heating mistakes that could be driving up your energy bills and increasing your carbon footprint.
- Closing Air Vents in Unused Rooms: When you close air vents in rooms that are not occupied, your heater will be forced to work harder to balance the temperature and distribute heat, which in turn, will produce longer run times and increased energy usage. Do not do this!
- Turning Up the Thermostat: If your home is very cold you may have the thought to turn up the thermostat to a very high temperature. The thing is, your heater doesn’t blow out warmer air when the thermostat is set higher. A thermostat activates the heater and shuts it off when it reaches the set temperature. Therefore, setting the thermostat high only causes the heater to run longer and harder. This will ultimately result in overuse of the heater that could potentially affect the lifespan of the unit. Select a reasonable temperature when home or consider a programmable thermostat which would allow you to tailor your heater operation to your desires.
- Failing to Seal Doors and Windows: If doors and/or windows are not locked, shut and sealed properly, you may be losing a lot of your heat to the outdoors. Evaluating your doors and windows annually for leaks, damaged weather-strips, etc. can help you pinpoint the potential cause of the inefficiency and allow you the opportunity to address it.
- Not Cleaning Your Air Filters Regularly: Dirty air filters can do a lot of harm in a household. Air filters keep dust, pollen, allergens, and other debris from entering the home through the return ducts. If not changed as recommended, the build-up will deter airflow and force the heating unit to work harder, while not filtering out all the above mentioned debris. When your heater has to work harder it results in increased energy bills. Set a calendar reminder in your phone to remind you to replace the air filters throughout your house according to how often the filter recommends.
- Not Getting Yearly Maintenance on your HVAC: The value of having annual HVAC maintenance performed by a reputable HVAC company is very undervalued. To many, a yearly AC tune-up may feel like just another expense, but tune-ups are essential to keeping your unit working efficiently throughout the year. Yearly maintenance will ultimately result in your unit lasting longer and give you the ability to catch potentially costly repairs before they happen.
Now that you know some of the most common HVAC heating mistakes to avoid, you can be better prepared this winter season. Avoiding these will improve your comfort and cut overall heating costs. If you need any help during the colder months with your heater or need to schedule a tune-up, Mason Air Conditioning and Heating Inc. is at your service. Mason AC is family-owner, insured and we comply with local codes and guidelines. We service the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Bradenton areas. To schedule your complimentary service visit today, please call 727-433-9853 or contact us online