Top HVAC Mistakes to Avoid During the Tennessee Winter

There’s no doubt that Tennessee can experience widely fluctuating temperatures throughout the winter. It can go from a brisk 30-degree morning to a sudden cold snap in the evenings, dropping temperatures down into the frigid teens. Having a reliable HVAC unit is essential to keeping your family and home safe this upcoming winter. Unfortunately, if you fall victim to the HVAC mistakes we’ll discuss below, you could find yourself left in the cold.

Skipping Annual Maintenance

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is skipping routine maintenance for their heater. Professional annual maintenance is a must for several reasons. One important reason is that it maintains your unit’s warranty coverage, so you’re not stuck paying out of pocket for unexpected repair bills.

Maintenance is essential for ensuring your heater operates as efficiently as possible. This way, you can have peace of mind that you’re not overpaying for your wintertime heating bills. Furthermore, maintenance will extend the longevity of your heating system and catch potential issues. For example, a heater tune-up can reveal a fraying blower fan belt. By replacing it during maintenance, you can greatly minimize your risk of experiencing an unexpected system breakdown.

Not Changing Air Filters

Many homeowners know that HVAC air filters are great for boosting indoor air quality. They play an important role in catching airborne debris before it enters the inside of your heating system and is distributed throughout your home. However, whenever your filter gets too dirty, it will restrict airflow through your ducting.

This can make your heating system work harder and operate less efficiently. You’ll likely notice that your system struggles to produce adequate heat, or it frequently shuts off due to overheating. It’s best to check your air filter once a month and replace it when it appears dirty or clogged.

Cranking up Your Thermostat

When temperatures start dropping, it’s quite tempting to crank the thermostat up. The idea is that it will heat your home faster. However, that’s not the case at all. Cranking up your thermostat on those colder days will just leave your heater running longer. This will consume more energy and put additional wear and tear on your heater.

Not Dealing With Air Drafts

Air leaks can be a big problem for any homeowner, as they can let cold air into your home, lowering your indoor temperature. When this happens, your heating system has to run more often to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. The more air drafts your home develops, the higher your utility bills will be. We suggest sealing window and door air leaks with caulk, weatherstripping, or spray foam.

Closing Vents in Unoccupied Rooms

Far too often, homeowners are advised to close vents in unused rooms. Whether it’s a spare bedroom or an infrequently used office, you may think you’re saving yourself money by not heating these spaces. Unfortunately, that’s not actually the case. Closing duct vents affects the air pressure inside them.

Air pressure imbalances can cause system inefficiency and put more wear and tear on components like your blower motor. It’s best to leave all your vents fully open for optimal system performance. If you want to reduce heating costs in unused spaces, consider speaking with us about a zoned heating system. These are specifically designed to optimize system efficiency while reducing energy costs.

Improper Thermostat Placement

The placement of your thermostat can significantly affect your furnace’s operation. If your thermostat is exposed to constant heat, it can read the temperature as higher than it actually is. This can leave your home feeling uncomfortably cold. It’s best to ensure your thermostat is not exposed to heat-generating sources. This includes mounting it out of direct sunlight and not near any heat-producing appliances or air vents.

Neglecting the Space Around Your Outdoor Unit

There’s no doubt that heat pumps are a common option for homeowners throughout the entire state of Tennessee. However, unlike traditional furnaces, they have an outdoor unit that must be properly cared for throughout the winter. Any blowing debris, like leaves, can end up against the side of the unit.

This can restrict airflow to the unit, reducing the efficiency of your heating system. Avoid the mistake of neglecting your outdoor unit if you have a heat pump. Instead, inspect it once a month and clear away any debris, including snow buildup.

Using an Outdated Thermostat

Your thermostat plays a pivotal role in determining your wintertime heating bills. If you have an outdated thermostat that sets a single temperature and doesn’t adjust it, you could be significantly overpaying for your heating costs. Fortunately, all it takes is upgrading to a smart or programmable thermostat to help you save a bundle on your bills.

A basic programmable thermostat can let you set a lower temperature for the hours when you aren’t home. For example, you can schedule it to turn your heater down when you leave for work in the morning and turn it up about an hour before you arrive home. This will reduce your heater’s runtime during those hours. Smart thermostats offer many great features that can fine-tune your system settings for even larger energy savings.

Ignoring Subtle Signs of a Malfunction

One big mistake homeowners make with their heating systems is not getting a professional evaluation when something is amiss. It could be an odd smell or a weird noise. Perhaps you noticed that your heating bills are slightly higher than usual, even though the outside temperature hasn’t changed much.

These are all signs that there’s something wrong with your furnace. You shouldn’t wait to call for an emergency repair when your heater suffers a complete breakdown. Rather, we suggest scheduling repairs for minor issues before they inevitably get worse.

Blocking Air Vents

The supply and return vents for your ducting play a crucial role in optimal system efficiency. While you may not intentionally close a vent, you may accidentally obstruct it. Moving furniture, stacking boxes, or just placing a rug over one of your floor vents is a mistake. Changes in pressure in your ducting caused by the obstruction can lead to system inefficiency and overheating.

Instead, be mindful of where your air vents are and ensure you don’t obstruct them. It can be helpful to do a quick check of each room once a month to ensure all your vents are free to work efficiently.

Expert HVAC Maintenance Services

A/C Plus Heating & Cooling offers expert HVAC maintenance services for the Murfreesboro, TN area. We can also assist with all your HVAC repair, new installation, and replacement needs. Contact A/C Plus Heating & Cooling today to book your next service visit with one of our skilled heating technicians!