Home Heating Mistakes That Rack Up Your Bills

6 Heating Mistakes That Could Be Costing You Money

When it comes to heating your home, there are a lot of ways to skin a cat. But, just because there are a lot of ways to do something doesn't mean that all of those ways are going to be effective—or cost-efficient. In fact, homeowners often make many different heating mistakes that end up costing them more in the long run.

This blog will look at some of the most common heating mistakes and how you can avoid them.

1. Not scheduling annual furnace maintenance.

One of the most common—and costly—heating mistakes is failing to schedule annual furnace maintenance. Like any other mechanical system, furnaces must be regularly serviced to continue running effectively and efficiently. Neglecting furnace maintenance can lead to a number of problems, like decreased efficiency, higher energy bills, and unexpected breakdowns.

2. Setting the thermostat too high.

Another common mistake that homeowners make is setting their thermostats too high in an effort to heat their homes faster. While it might seem like turning up the heat will help your home warm up quicker, it actually doesn't work that way. In fact, setting your thermostat too high can cause your furnace to work overtime and end up costing you more money in the long run.

3. Not investing in a programmable thermostat.

One of the best ways to save on your heating bill is to invest in a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat allows you to set your home's temperature at different times of the day, so you're not heating an empty house.

For example, if you leave for work early in the morning and don’t come home until late at night, there's no need to heat your home during those hours you’re away. You can set your thermostat to turn off at a time you choose and turn it back on right before you arrive home, which will save you money over time.

4. Closing vents in unused rooms.

Closing the vents in unused rooms might seem like a good way to save money on your heating bill, but it's not effective—and can even cost you more money. When you close vents in unused rooms, it throws off the air balance in your home and puts unnecessary strain on your furnace, which can lead to increased energy bills and premature breakdowns.

Instead, leave vents open so that all of the rooms can heat evenly and your heating system doesn’t overwork itself to keep up. An overworked system can also lead to unexpected repairs, so working with your unit is important to keep your home comfortable.

5. Opening windows during winter months.

During the winter months, it's important to keep your windows closed in order to maintain a consistent temperature in your home. When you open your windows, all of the heat that you've worked so hard (and spent so much money) to generate escapes, causing your furnace to work overtime to heat your home back up again. In addition to being wasteful, this can also end up costing you more money on your energy bill.

6. Ignoring strange noises coming from your furnace.

If you hear strange noises coming from your furnace—like banging, popping, or clicking sounds—it's important not to act like everything is normal and to continue using it as usual. These types of noises usually indicate that there's a problem with your furnace, and ignoring them can often lead to more serious (and expensive) issues down the road.

Talk to Home Heating Experts

By avoiding these six common heating mistakes, you can help keep your energy bills low and extend the lifespan of your furnace. If you have any questions about maintaining your furnace or would like to schedule annual maintenance, please don't hesitate to contact our team Centennial Plumbing, Heating & Electrical at (306) 500-7392, and we will happily assist you!