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Heating and Cooling Habits to Break for Good

3 Common Heating and Cooling Mistakes To Avoid From Now On

New year, new resolutions for many homeowners. Being home for prolonged periods during the pandemic while working from home or homeschooling children offered plenty of time to evaluate home repair projects and areas of the home that have been neglected previously. Now is a perfect time to set resolutions to get service providers on speed dial and keep the home in tip-top shape going forward!

#1: Not Replacing Filters Regularlyfilter

Service professionals address air filter replacement every time the unit is inspected annually. Still, homeowners should replace filters at least every 3 months to keep units operating at maximum efficiency. 

Changing filters is relatively easy, and most HVAC professionals are willing to show homeowners how to change filters if needed during their regularly scheduled service calls. A clogged filter decreases the air quality in the home and causes the unit to have to work harder to maintain consistent air temperature throughout.

air vents#2: Restricting Air Flow

Closing vents to unused rooms within a home doesn’t save money on utility bills as most people think. Restricting the airflow can cause permanent damage to heating and cooling systems because the unit is custom-designed to fit the entire home, so restricting its use pushes the same amount of air but under higher pressure and to fewer outlets. 

Adding higher pressure to any mechanical system will cause the breakdown of useful life sooner than expected. If seeking a solution to rising utility bills, lower the temperature on the thermostat when not at home. 

In current conditions, a 1-degree change can lower or raise utility bills by up to 2% per month. If living in climates that experience intense weather as seasons change, check with a plumber to determine a good temperature to keep the house at to prevent pipes from freezing.

#3: Skipping Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance is recommended by equipment manufacturers every six months per system, so bi-annually if a home has both central heating and central air conditioning. Most heater maintenance companies offer maintenance contracts to clean and inspect units, offer discounts on repairs or service calls, give priority front-of-line privileges during emergencies, and warranty the work done by their company. 

Putting off recommended maintenance can cause costly repairs because a regular inspection of units can find small repairs that are needed before they turn into big repairs that are needed. Heater repair during winter months can be stressful for homeowners that rely on heat to keep their families warm. Vulnerable family members that don’t have heat can risk health issues. 

It can be difficult for HVAC technicians to keep up with service requests during storms, and driving to a residence could be hazardous. Preventive maintenance can prevent significant problems from arising during inopportune times like storms.

About Blaze Air

Blaze Air, located in Winston-Salem, NC is family-owned and operated and standing by to meet customer needs with trusted technicians that give free estimates. Indoor comfort is a top priority with systems that are customized to fit the needs of families. Call now for HVAC services!