When temperatures drop in Illinois, your heating system becomes one of the most important parts of your home. While staying warm is the top priority, many homeowners unknowingly make choices that can cause their system to work harder than necessary or even break down altogether. Knowing what to avoid can help extend the life of your system and lower your heating bills. The good news is that most of these mistakes are easy to fix with just a few changes to your routine.
Thermostat Up Too High
It’s tempting to blast the heat when you come inside from the cold, but turning your thermostat way up won’t warm your home any faster. Instead, it just makes your system run longer, increasing energy usage and putting unnecessary strain on your heater. A better approach is to raise the temperature slowly, allowing your system to catch up without wasting energy or overworking itself.
Skipping Maintenance
Your heating system works overtime during the winter months, and without regular maintenance, its performance can suffer. Dirty components, worn-out parts and neglected filters can all lead to reduced efficiency and even system failure. Annual inspections and tune-ups not only keep things running smoothly but can also help you avoid emergency repair calls during freezing weather.
Closing Room Vents
It might seem like a smart way to save energy, but closing off vents in certain rooms can actually disrupt your system’s airflow. This can create pressure imbalances that make your system less efficient and potentially damage ductwork. Even in unused rooms, it’s better to keep vents open so your system doesn’t work against itself to move air through the home.
Blocking Airflow
When warm air can’t circulate properly, your system has to work harder to heat your home. Large furniture pieces or long curtains placed in front of vents reduce airflow and lead to uneven temperatures. Simply moving a chair or rug away from a vent can help heat your space more evenly and ease the load on your system during high-demand months.
Ignoring Signs of Trouble
If your system starts making unusual sounds or certain rooms feel colder than others, don’t assume it’s just the cold weather. These can be early warning signs of mechanical issues or airflow problems. Strange smells, frequent cycling or a sudden increase in your heating bill are also clues that something needs attention sooner rather than later.
Not Replacing the Filter
A dirty air filter is one of the easiest, and most overlooked, causes of heating inefficiency. Clogged filters restrict airflow, make your system work harder and reduce indoor air quality. Setting a calendar reminder to check your filter monthly can go a long way in keeping your system efficient and your indoor air clean.
Stay Warm With Our Help
Avoiding these common mistakes is one of the best ways to stay warm and save money during the winter. Whether it’s a seasonal tune-up or a second opinion on system performance, the professionals at Pruitt Mechanical Services are here to help you keep your home cozy and efficient all winter long. We’ve served countless Illinois homeowners through freezing temperatures and we’re here and ready to help you next.