3 Common HVAC Mistakes That Lead to Increased Energy Costs

The temperature of your home is one of the main factors that determine your comfort level. That is why your HVAC system is so important. Many people think there are little tricks that can help keep the home at a certain temp. Upon further inspection, those “tricks” are actually costing them money. When heating and cooling your home, it’s best to let the system do what it was designed to do. Here are three common mistakes to avoid from the team at Allied Services, Inc.

1. Closing Vents in Unused Rooms

The first energy-wasting mistake that appears to make sense but ultimately loses you money is closing vents in empty rooms. The idea seems sound. Wouldn’t you like to direct the heat and air conditioning to the areas where you actually spend time if a room isn’t being used? Here’s the issue. Your home’s ductwork experiences excess air pressure when vents are closed, which forces the blower to work harder and puts additional stress on your HVAC system. This may result in increased energy costs and a shorter HVAC unit lifespan. Additionally, shutting vents can make some rooms uncomfortable to use by making them overly hot or chilly. So, instead, leave vents open and keep interior doors open when possible to ensure a balanced pressure throughout the home.

2. Leaving Windows Open When Outdoor Temps Cool

Ohio residents understand the pleasure of opening a window on a cool evening. While this isn’t always a hard “no,” it’s important to be aware of the costs that could be incurred. You essentially reverse all the hard work your air conditioner has put into cooling your house when you keep your windows open all night. The air conditioning system operates throughout the day to reduce indoor humidity and heat. The system will have to work harder to restore your ideal temperature if the outside air is even slightly warmer than the temperature inside your home. Additionally, the humidity level in the air outdoors is typically higher than that of the inside, making your rooms seem stuffy and uncomfortable.

3. Setting Temps Low to Cool Faster

Coming inside to a cool, cozy home is the best feeling when the weather is hot. It can be tempting to turn the AC down to its lowest level on those rare instances when the temperature inside is hotter than the outside. Sadly, this strategy doesn’t work as you may think. In fact, it can exacerbate the issue. The majority of AC units are made to function in a particular temperature range. When the thermostat is set too low, the unit must work harder to reach the appropriate temperature, which could lead to overheating and eventual failure. This is because your HVAC system does not blow out air at the temperature you set, it blows out cool air until the temperature inside matches what you set.

Do you need help with your HVAC system? Allied Services, Inc. serves the communities of Dayton, Centerville, Beavercreek, Troy, and beyond. We even offer service plans to ensure your system continues to run as it should. Contact us today at (937) 269-5059 to request an estimate.