As the chilly winter months close in, you may start thinking about cranking up the thermostat to heat up your home until everyone feels warm and toasty. And just like your central air conditioning system is the workhorse of your home through the dog days of summer, the same goes for your furnace in the winter. Thus it’s high time to bring it out and let it take center stage. Keep in mind, however, that certain heating mistakes here and there can cost you a lot of money in the long run, so make sure to avoid them. Here are some examples:
1. Setting your thermostat too low. There are some articles that say turning the heat down seven to ten degrees for an extended period of time can save you as much as 10 percent on your energy bills. However, this approach can actually be too drastic, and could cause your furnace to work twice as hard as it normally does as it struggles to get your home back up to a cozy temperature. The best thing to do is make small changes. Even if you like it a bit cool, be sure not to set the temperature below 55 degrees F.
2. Neglecting the air filter. The air filter is a crucial part of your heating system. It’s recommended that you change your furnace filter every three months. This can help increase the energy efficiency of your home, improve indoor air quality and extend the lifespan of your furnace, all of which can stop you from having to call a local furnace and central air conditioner maintenance company too soon.
3. Failing to turn off the exhaust fans. Don’t forget to turn off the exhaust fans after cooking or showering. Failure to do so, particularly in the winter, can send much-needed warm air right out of the house. This makes it more difficult to heat up your home until it’s nice and cozy. It also forces your furnace to operate much longer as it works to reach the heating level you desire.
Shackelford Heating & Cooling is a premier source of top-rated heating maintenance and air conditioning replacement services in Fitchburg, WI. Our professional technicians are committed to providing the highest quality of comfort and safety throughout your home. Call us today at (608) 530-0667 or fill out this contact form to schedule an appointment.
