Sometimes the routines we fall into end up becoming bad habits. When it comes to your home heating, bad habits can waste energy and cost you money.
In this month’s blog, the home comfort specialists at Main Stream Mechanical share six bad heating habits homeowners have and offer tips for adjusting to more eco-friendly practices.
1. Leaving windows open.
Opening windows to circulate fresh fall air throughout your house brings a crisp feeling to your home, especially after a long, humid, summer. However, if you leave windows open while your heat is on, you are wasting energy. If you plan to open windows, turn off your HVAC system until you close them again. You’ll not only protect your HVAC system from suffering unnecessary wear and tear, but you’ll also save money.
2. Setting your thermostat too high.
When the fall temperature drops, your body might not be accustomed to the cool chill in the air, increasing the temptation to turn up the heat in your home–at the expense of your energy bill. During the fall, set your thermostat a degree or two lower to save on energy. If you like to be toasty, follow these energy-saving tips to help you stay warm when you dial down your thermostat:
Reverse the direction of ceiling fan blades. Your fan will push down warm air that gathers near the ceiling and distribute it evenly throughout the rooms.
Keep window shades open during the day to take advantage of the heat from the sun. Close them at night to keep the heat inside.
Bundle up in a throw blanket to help you stay warm while you’re watching TV or working on the computer.
Turn the thermostat back five degrees while you sleep and stay warm with extra blankets.
3. Postponing heating tune-ups.
Sometimes you’re so busy that scheduling a tune-up slips your mind. Other times, you dismiss the need because your system turned on when the temperature dropped. This means your heating system is fine, right? Think again. A tune-up by a home comfort specialist gives your entire system a thorough once-over so you know it’s running at peak performance, translating into less wear and tear on your system and increased energy savings for you.
4. Forgetting to change your air filters.
Air filters need to be regularly changed in order for your HVAC system to function effectively. Dirty filters prevent air from flowing freely throughout your ductwork, causing your blower to work much harder than usual. By replacing your filters every three months, you reduce your HVAC system’s energy use.
PRO TIP: Set a phone reminder to change your air filters so you’ll keep you up-to-date.
5. Taking long, hot showers.
The energy required to heat and sustain your hot running water and operate your exhaust fan will do a number on your utility bill. Instead, take shorter showers (10 minutes or less) to reduce your energy usage.
6. Washing clothes in hot water.
Almost 90 percent of a washing machine’s energy is spent heating water. You can cut energy use in half by switching from hot to warm water, and reduce it even further by using cold water. With today’s advanced detergents and washing machines, cold water sufficiently cleans clothing, towels and sheets.
HVAC Installation, Service, and Repair in MA and NH
Heating is essential for living comfortably, but there are simple changes you can make to help reduce your energy use without hindering your daily life. If it’s time for your annual tune-up, or you need service, maintenance, or a heating upgrade, contact Main Stream Mechanical’s expert technicians. We’re ready to help you save energy.
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