Understanding and managing your home comfort can be a lot of trial and error. You could be making common home comfort mistakes without ever realizing it. Keep reading to learn which five errors the Seider Heating, Plumbing & Electrical pros see most often and what they suggest instead. Most of these tips are linked to efficiency, so correcting your ways might help you save on energy bills, too.
Turning Up the Thermostat to Get Heat Faster
Your furnace distributes a set amount of heat at a consistent rate, no matter how high you bump your thermostat up. Rather than producing heat faster, you’re just wasting money because your furnace will run nonstop to reach an unrealistic goal. It’s ok to raise your thermostat a few degrees from your typical set temperature if you’re truly feeling chilly. But don’t expect instant satisfaction—be patient and give your system time to catch up at its own pace.
Skipping Annual Maintenance
If there’s one thing you should never skip, it’s annual maintenance for your home comfort system. This once-a-year service makes all the difference in:
- Maintaining efficiency
- Reducing the need for repairs
- Improving air quality
- Promoting longer system lifespan
- Ensuring adequate airflow
- Keeping you safe from malfunctions
Haven’t had a Clean & Check in a while? No problem. Our motto is better late than never when it comes to annual cleanings. Schedule your appointment today.
Closing Air Registers
We hear this one quite often, but it’s not true. Closing air registers in unused rooms doesn’t save you money by redirecting heating and cooling only to areas where you want it. It actually makes your system work harder because it can’t distribute the airflow as it’s designed to. When you close off registers, you can count on higher energy bills, incorrect cycling, more frequent breakdowns, and likely a shortened lifespan. Keep air registers open in every room of your house for better performance and comfort.
Forgetting to Change Your Air Filter
Air filters catch and hold airborne contaminants. As they become bogged down with dirt, dust, allergens, bacteria, and more, they block airflow and more pollutants get into your system. This reduces efficiency, lowers air quality, and causes system malfunctions because air cannot cycle correctly. Set reminders in your phone or on your calendar to ensure you’re replacing or cleaning yours regularly. Not sure which filter type or size to get? Check your system manual or simply give us a call.
Not Using Your Ceiling Fan to Your Advantage
If your home has a ceiling fan, don’t just use it in summer and let it collect dust all winter. They’re designed for year-round use! In summer, set your fan to run counter clockwise for a breeze that draws hot air up and away from you. In winter, set it to run clockwise. This pushes warm air that rises to your ceiling back downward and helps you feel warmer all winter long.
Find out If a Whole-Home Humidifier Is Right for You
Want to know more home comfort tips from the Seider pros? Read 3 DIY furnace tips to learn ways you can look after your heating system and what you should do during a heating emergency. Our expert service goes beyond recommending and installing Carrier® systems or performing reliable repairs. We also like to share important tips and tricks that help keep your family safe and comfortable all year long.