Avoid These Common Winter Heating Mistakes Michigan Homeowners Make

Now that winter is here, you’ll likely rely more on your home’s heating system to stay warm and comfortable for the next few months. While that’s to be expected, many Michigan homeowners still make some very costly heating mistakes when they’re trying to stay warm every year. These mistakes seem minor, but they do add up and could lead to higher energy bills or expensive repairs.

If you want to save money on heating your home in Michigan this winter, consider these home heating safety and furnace efficiency tips.

Mistake #1: Closing Vents

Some people think they can save money on their heating bills by closing vents in rooms that they aren’t currently occupying. That logic may seem sound, but closing vents doesn’t stop warm air from blowing through your air ducts. What it does do is create temperature and air pressure imbalances that force your furnace to work harder than it should. This will raise your heating bill and shorten your furnace’s lifespan, so keep most of your home’s vents open. Your home will heat more evenly, and you’ll be getting the most out of your heating system.

Mistake #2: Cranking the Thermostat

A lot of Michigan homeowners think that they can heat their homes faster by turning their thermostats to the 80s or 90s. This is a tremendous waste of energy. Yes, your home will eventually reach 85 degrees Fahrenheit if that’s what you set your thermostat to, but it won’t get there any sooner if you crank your thermostat as soon as you come home on a cold day. A thermostat is meant to maintain a consistent temperature, so set it at a comfortable and efficient setting. Ideally, your thermostat should be set between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re home and awake. That should keep a well-insulated Michigan home feeling comfortable throughout the winter without putting too much strain on your furnace or your heating bills.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Strange Noises or Odors

Your furnace should be mostly silent while it’s running. You may hear a faint whoosh when it turns on or the sound of blowing air, but that’s it. If you hear grinding, thumping, screeching, or anything else out of the ordinary, don’t ignore it. These are common warning signs that your furnace is struggling, and ignoring them could lead to a need for emergency furnace repair when you need your system the most. Call an HVAC professional as soon as possible to schedule a repair service before things get any worse.

This home heating safety tip also applies to strange odors. While it’s common to detect a faint burning odor if you haven’t turned on your furnace recently, it should go away after about 10 minutes. That’s the smell of accumulated dust in your ducts burning away. It’s alarming if you’re not used to it, but it’s safe. On the other hand, you should absolutely call an HVAC contractor if that smell doesn’t go away or if you smell rotten eggs. A lingering burning smell is a clear sign that something is wrong with your heating system, while a rotten egg smell could indicate a gas leak in your home. If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate your home immediately and call emergency services.

Mistake #4: Neglecting Filter Changes

Your furnace has an air filter that removes dust, dander, pollen, and other materials from the air as it moves through your ducts. Naturally, it gets dirty and should be cleaned or replaced regularly. Unfortunately, it’s easy to forget this bit of furnace maintenance. Not only will a dirty air filter harm your home’s air quality, but it will also force your HVAC system to work harder.

Furnace filters typically last between one and nine months, but you should at least check your filter monthly. This is especially crucial during the winter. You’ll be spending a lot more time indoors, and you may have more guests over for the holidays. If you want to err on the side of caution, change your furnace filter once a month. Try to do it at the same time every month so you won’t forget.

Mistake #5: Skipping Annual Tune-Ups

You probably know to call an HVAC contractor if your furnace breaks down or shows signs of trouble. What you may not know is that your furnace also requires preventative maintenance to avoid problems in the first place. Even though your furnace seems to be functioning well and may be new, it should still receive a tune-up every year. During a typical furnace tune-up, an HVAC technician will tighten electrical connections, inspect the blower motor, lubricate all moving parts, calibrate your thermostat, and perform other necessary tasks to keep everything running smoothly during the winter. Your technician might also find and fix minor issues before they escalate into expensive repairs.

The best time to schedule a furnace tune-up is in the fall before the main heating season begins. Still, don’t hesitate to call Ehlers Heating & Cooling if your furnace hasn’t received a tune-up this year. We offer excellent furnace maintenance services that will help prevent repairs and keep your furnace running efficiently.

Mistake #6: Blocking Air Returns With Furniture or Curtains

We’ve already discussed the importance of keeping your vents open, but they may still be blocked by furniture or curtains. This is one of the most common heating mistakes that homeowners make, and one that’s easy to fix. When you arrange your furniture, pay close attention to where your vents are located. They won’t do you any good if chairs, couches, or heavy curtains block them. While you’re at it, try to keep the clutter in your home to a minimum. It’s hard to find a place for everything you own, but don’t let an errant box block a heating vent.

Bonus Tip: Upgrade to a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

If you don’t already have a programmable or smart thermostat, we highly recommend getting one. A programmable thermostat will adjust the temperature in your home on a schedule you set, so you won’t have to make unnecessary adjustments yourself. Meanwhile, a smart thermostat can learn your habits and adjust the temperature accordingly. It relies on a Wi-Fi connection, so keep that in mind if you decide to get one. In any case, programmable and smart thermostats can greatly reduce your heating bills and improve the efficiency of your HVAC system year-round.

Schedule Service With Ehlers Today

Whether your heating system requires emergency repairs or you’re looking for more furnace efficiency tips, Ehlers Heating & Cooling will be happy to assist you. We are an HVAC contractor that has served homes in southeast Michigan since 1961. We offer heating and cooling services of all kinds, from furnace tune-ups to installations to emergency repairs.

To learn more about avoiding crucial home heating mistakes or to schedule service for your Michigan home, contact Ehlers Heating & Cooling today.