If you’re like many homeowners, you may be unintentionally making your heating system use more energy than necessary during the long Indianapolis winters. Excess energy usage costs you valuable space in your budget. Here are the top HVAC energy wasters that can dramatically increase your energy bills.
Thermostat Settings
Leaving your thermostat set to the same temperature even when nobody’s around or everyone’s asleep is one of the big HVAC energy wasters, not to mention that it costs money. Your furnace doesn’t have to put in the same effort to heat an empty home as it does when you’re around. Program the thermostat to lower the temperature when you’re away from home or asleep.
Setting the thermostat too high when you’re at home is also one of the big HVAC energy wasters. Generally, people can be comfortable at 68 degrees in the winter. Consider setting your thermostat to a slightly cooler temperature at which you’ll still feel comfortable.
Blocked Vents
When items like tools, furniture, and drapes block your vents, they impede airflow and make your furnace work harder to heat your home, leading to unnecessary energy waste. Closing the vents in some rooms also makes your heating system operate less efficiently. Keep all your air vents, including those on the floor, open and unobstructed.
Neglected Maintenance
Your heating system requires a consistent maintenance schedule to run efficiently. When you put off maintenance, you’ll likely spend more on heating, in addition to requiring more repairs and shortening the life of your unit. Be proactive by always having your annual furnace maintenance done by a professional. During the maintenance appointment, the HVAC technician will inspect your system, clean and lubricate its components, and catch potential issues early.
Dirty Air Filters
Your air filter captures airborne particles as your heating system runs. When it clogs, it slows airflow, forcing your system to use more energy to draw in air. You can reduce your heating unit’s energy use by replacing your filter — or cleaning it if it’s washable — every month during peak winter use.
Old Heating Systems
If your heating system is more than 10 years old, you’re probably spending more to heat your home. Modern heating equipment is significantly more efficient than previous-generation models.
You’ll enjoy big savings every year if you take the necessary steps to address these HVAC energy wasters. Contact Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing if you need a heating-system replacement, maintenance, or repair in the Indianapolis area.
