With the really cold weather we’ve had lately, it’s inevitable that we start using the heater and more hot water. But this creates a common concern for homeowners – their electric bills will soon be on the rise. With the use of energy-efficient solutions and products, this does not always have to be the case. There are also many ways you could be using your heater incorrectly. Here are some of the most common mistakes homeowners make with their heating system.
Not using a programmable thermostat
While not all central heating systems come with a programmable thermostat, it is a smart, simple and efficient home investment to make. With the help of a programmable thermostat, you are able to set the timing and temperature of your heater depending on when someone is home or the external climate. Otherwise your system will consistently run and try to maintain the set temperature – even for an empty house of if it warms up outside.
Trying to heat a space faster by turning up the heat
We all have tried this, and may even still try this. Although it would be nice to instantaneously be able to heat your home, your heater does not work like that. Cranking up the number on the thermostat will not warm your house any quicker. It takes time for your home to heat – no matter what you set. Increasing the amount of degrees will not speed up this process. Instead, this eventually will heat your home to a new temperature, and you’ll have to go adjust the temperature again because it’s too warm.
Never turning off your central heating system
There are some homeowners who believe that leaving the heater on a low setting constantly is more efficient than letting the system cycle on and off. This is not true. Forever leaving the heat on is not energy conscious. Your heater will be continually trying to maintain the set temperature – even if it is not needed. This type of work is also strenuous on your system, which in turn could cause unnecessarily problems in the future.
