You want to stay cool on hot summer days and warm on chilly winter nights. Getting HVAC service in Stockbridge, GA, is a great way to make sure your unit is running efficiently. What you do can also help. Here are 10 mistakes that may be causing your energy bills to be higher than they should be.
Turning Up the Thermostat
If you wake up cold or hot, you may want to turn the thermostat up or down several degrees to speed up the heating or cooling process, but your HVAC unit runs at one speed, so changing the thermostat drastically only makes your unit work harder. Thus, increases your energy costs.
Turning Off Your Unit
When you turn your HVAC system off, it works harder to return the temperature in your home to a comfortable level. If you turn the system down, it will come on when the temperature dips below or rises above a certain level.
Keeping an Old Thermostat
You may have used the same thermostat for years, but upgrading to a programmable thermostat can help you save on energy bills. You can lower or raise the temperature in your home while you sleep or are away and set the thermostat to return to a comfortable level before it’s time to get up or return home.
Choosing a Bad Spot
Placing appliances and fixtures near your thermostat may give a false reading, resulting in your HVAC system working longer than needed. Or perhaps your thermostat was wired and placed in an unusual spot with exposure to a heat source. This also impacts the reading accuracy, so it may be a good idea to call an HVAC specialist to move your thermostat to another wall.
Blocking Air Vents
Avoid blocking your air vents. Placing a rug or a piece of furniture over or in front of your air vents blocks the airflow and makes your HVAC unit work harder. It’s a good idea to leave at least 18 inches of space for air vents.
Not Changing Air Filters
Change your air filters regularly. A dirty or dusty air filter can restrict your airflow, causing your HVAC system to be inefficient and require repairs. Check your filters every three months or more frequently if you have pets or allergies.
Shutting Off Unused Rooms
Shutting the doors to unused rooms doesn’t save energy. Your HVAC unit usually draws in the same amount of air as it blows out. If you close a room, the air will escape through other places like gaps in windows.
Not Using Ceiling Fans
Using ceiling fans help your HVAC unit work more efficiently. The fan helps your air conditioning by circulating the air throughout a room. You can turn a ceiling fan clockwise in the winter to help circulate heat around a room.
Not Getting Regular Maintenance
Having regular maintenance can help your HVAC system operate efficiently and prolong the life of the system. Having your unit checked in the fall and spring can result in fixing small problems before they result in costly HVAC repair.
Not Upgrading to a New Unit
If you’ve had your unit for over 10 years, it may be time to upgrade to a new unit. Units lose efficiency over time, so a new unit saves money.
Call Omega Heating and Air at (404) 438-0353 to service your cooling or heating unit in Stockbridge, GA. We can perform regular maintenance, make repairs, or replace your unit at an affordable price.