6 Home Heating Mistakes You Might Be Making

As we navigate the transition from fall to winter, ensuring a warm and comfortable home becomes a top priority for many. However, even with the best intentions, some common mistakes can lead to inefficient heating, higher bills, and a less comfortable living environment. Perfect Degree HVAC is here to guide you through identifying and avoiding these common pitfalls.

1. Overlooking Regular Maintenance- One of the most significant mistakes homeowners make is neglecting their HVAC system’s regular maintenance. It’s easy to forget about your heating system when it seems to be working fine, especially when it’s hidden away in a basement or closet. Yet, failing to perform routine checks can lead to decreased efficiency, higher energy consumption, and premature system failure. Perfect Degree HVAC recommends annual inspections and maintenance to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently.

2. Misusing Your Thermostat- Many residents in Drexel Hill and the surrounding area believe cranking up the thermostat is a quick way to warm their homes. This misconception can lead not only to excessive energy consumption but also to unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. Instead of setting your thermostat to a higher temperature, maintain a consistent, moderate setting. Consider investing in a smart or programmable thermostat that can optimize your home’s temperature based on your schedule, reducing energy use without sacrificing comfort.

3. Ignoring Drafts and Leaks- In the quest to maintain a cozy home during the Pennsylvanian winters, it’s crucial to address drafts and leaks around windows and doors. These can significantly undermine your heating system’s effectiveness by allowing warm air to escape and cold air to enter. Inspecting your home for drafts and sealing any leaks with weatherstripping or caulk is a simple yet effective step towards enhancing your comfort and reducing your energy bills.

4. Neglecting Air Filter Changes- A clean air filter is essential for maintaining indoor air quality and ensuring the efficient operation of your HVAC system. Over time, filters can become clogged with dust, pet dander, and other pollutants, forcing your system to work harder to circulate air. This not only leads to increased energy use but can also compromise your family’s health, particularly for those with allergies or asthma. Perfect Degree HVAC advises checking and replacing your air filter regularly, at least every three months, to maintain optimal airflow and efficiency.

5. Blocking Sunlight- It might sound counterintuitive, especially during the shorter days of winter, but sunlight is a natural and cost-effective way to heat your home. Keeping curtains or blinds closed, particularly on south-facing windows, can prevent the sun’s rays from warming your home naturally. On sunny days, make sure to open window coverings to capture as much warmth as possible, reducing the load on your heating system.

6. Skipping Furnace Tune-ups- An annual furnace tune-up by a professional HVAC technician can significantly extend the lifespan of your heating system, improve efficiency, and identify minor issues before they become major problems. This preventative measure is essential for avoiding unexpected breakdowns during the coldest days of winter. Perfect Degree HVAC offers comprehensive tune-ups that include cleaning, lubricating moving parts, checking system controls, and ensuring optimal performance.

In Drexel Hill, PA, avoiding these common heating mistakes can lead to a warmer, more comfortable home and significant savings on your energy bills. By partnering with Perfect Degree HVAC, you can ensure your heating system operates at peak efficiency throughout the winter season. Let us help you stay warm without worry. Call us at (610) 529-7372 or fill out our contact form to get started today.