Heating your home during winter can be costly. Sometimes the heating cost increases due to common heating mistakes. But if you can avoid these heating mistakes, you can save a significant amount of money on heating bills. That’s why, in this article, I’ll talk about common heating mistakes in winter and how to cover your air conditioner to prevent damage.
3 Common Heating Mistakes in Winter
1. Not Setting the HVAC Thermostat to the Right Temperature
When it comes to HVAC thermostat setting, you’ll have to be patient. Always remember that you HVAC thermostat isn’t a gas pedal and it doesn’t work as a fan.
Many homeowners believe that if they set their HVAC thermostat to a higher temperature, their house will get warm faster. But it’s not true at all. No matter what temperature you set in your HVAC thermostat, it’ll take time to reach your desired temperature.
Again, when you set your HVAC thermostat to a higher temperature, your HVAC system will have to work harder to reach your desired temperature. As a result, it’ll put a lot of stress and strain on your HVAC system. Eventually, your HVAC system will require frequent repairs.
So, what temperature should I set in my HVAC thermostat?
You’ll have to set a temperature that has a minimum difference with the outside temperature. As a result, it’ll put less stress on your HVAC system, and you’ll get the best out of your heating system.
For example, when you’re at home, you can set your HVAC temperature to 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. By setting to this temperature, you’ll be able to get the best out of your heating system, and your home space will become warm faster.
Again, it’s a common misconception among the homeowners that if they lower their HVAC thermostat to way down while sleeping, it’ll save them a significant amount of money. But in reality, this will lead to higher heating bills, and it’ll put a lot of stress and strain on your HVAC system. As a result, your HVAC system will require frequent repairs, and you’ll lose money on heating bills.
That’s why, while sleeping, you should lower your HVAC thermostat temperature by 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit from the ideal temperature. This will reduce the stress and strain from your HVAC system, and you’ll save money on heating bills.
2. Wasting Heat on an Empty Space
If there is no one in your home, it’s silly to run your heating system. It’s a common misconception among the homeowners that if they run their heating system all the time, they will get the best out of their heating system. But it’s actually the opposite.
When you run your heating system for 24/7, it’ll put a lot of stress and strain on your HVAC system. As a result, your HVAC system will require frequent repairs, and in the worst-case scenario, it’ll have a system breakdown. Besides, don’t forget about the high heating bills.
That’s why for optimum use, you should turn on your heating system 20 to 30 minutes early before people starts coming to your home. By doing this, you’ll save energy and your money.
Pro Tip: Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a good option when it comes to energy saving. With a programmable thermostat, you’ll be able to schedule your heating system. As a result, you won’t have to worry about when to turn on and off your HVAC system.
3. Not Replacing HVAC Air Filter
HVAC air filter plays a crucial role in keeping your indoor air clean. But as it blocks dust and small particles from entering your space, it gets dirty very quickly. That’s why it’s important to replace your HVAC air filter at the start of each season.
Many homeowners ignore HVAC air filter replacement, and as a result, they fail to get the best out of their heating system. When you don’t replace your HVAC air filter regularly, dust and debris start to accumulate in your HVAC system.
Dust and debris are enemies of an HVAC system. They restrict the airflow and limits the capacity of your HVAC system. Eventually, the overall efficiency of your HVAC system reduces, and the heating bill starts to go up. That’s why it’s recommended that you replace your HVAC air filter at the start of the winter. This will help you to operate your HVAC system smoothly and save money on heating bills.
These are the three common heating mistakes in winter. Now, I’ll tell you about how to cover an air conditioner to prevent damage.
How to Cover an Air Conditioner
At first, use a cover that is made of breathable material. Then put plywood on the cover. This will shield your air conditioner from snow and ice.
If you want more protection, you can build a shelter to cover your air conditioner. Besides, you can plant shrubs around your air conditioner. This will protect your air conditioner unit from blowing snow and wind. However, you need to be careful about the airflow while putting shrubs around your air conditioner. For this, you can consult with your nearby HVAC professional in Dallas, TX
