Top 3 Energy-Wasting Mistakes Made By Homeowners

No house is airtight and chances are that it escapes somehow and someway. If you own a big or smaller home it is very important to notice where areas that have escaping air are fixed. Below are the # biggest thermal energy wasting mistakes that a homeowner can make.

Not Adjusting Thermostat When Leaving The House

Adjusting the thermostat is a easy but very forgettable task that can save you money throughout the year.  If you going on vacation you may be so busy packing clothes and getting the kids out the door but take a moment to make sure the thermostat is set to a energy efficient setting. Changing your normal temperature to some 10-degree difference can help save you money for your not going to be in the house for a long period of time.

Leaving Windows Cracked

Yes even a small crack of a window can let out that thermal energy. No matter if its summer or winter the smallest of cracks can let air out and have your HVAC system working a little more then could be and that can cost you money. Insure that you check all your windows to make sure your not letting money fly out the window with your heating or cooling system on.

Using Space Heaters in Fall or Spring

During the transition between summer to fall or winter to spring some homeowner use space heats. The inexpensive and effective units are a great way to provide heat in a room or space. However you should always make sure that you turn them off after use to make sure your not being counter productive with your HVAC system running.

Furnace Noise

While spring may just around the corner it’s been a long winter and you probably are still running your Furnace at night to stay comfortable. Every now and then might be hearing some noises from your furnace that has been keeping you warm all winter. Your furnace maybe a littler tired and you might start thinking about furnace repair. So if your furnace is making a little more noise to usual check out this guide below to see if you should be calling your HVAC professional today.

Most Common Furnace Noises

Whining

No its not sound that comes out of your kids but it is most likely mean there is a air leak someplace in the unit. Common places where air leaks happen are the base of the unit or return air grille. Generally a serious problem if your furnace has a air leak and should be attended to right away.

Moaning

If you noticing a slight moan or loud humming coming from your furnace its most likely to be a worn motor bearing. If the noise persists and is loud; its time for a new motor to be installed as soon as possible.

Low Rattling Noise

If you hear a low rattling noise about 30 seconds before your blower kicks on, you could have a serious problem like a crack in your heat exchanger. This should be checked out and fixed right away – otherwise it could result in a carbon monoxide leak!

Clicking and Wooshing Noise

This strange combination of noises is not good at all when coming from your furnace. It could mean that your gas valve is leaking or not working properly. Leaking gas is major problem and should be checked by a professional.

Other Common Furnace Noises

·       A consistent rattling noise may indicate that something in your ductwork is loose

·       A series of booming or popping noises could mean the metal ducts are expanding

Robots

Safety Tips - Space Heater #3

Electrical Connections

Are the electrical connections on your space heater broken or corroded? If they are you should have a professional fix it or upgrade to a new space heater for your heating needs. Without proper flow of electricity from the outlet its possible that sparks and surges can occur causing a fire hazard. It’s not worth the risk to let even a small tear in the wire go. Be safe and inspect your unit before using it. 

Safety Tips - Space Heater #2

Distance

Keep objects at least 4 feet away from the heat source to make sure that a fire does not start. Also keep small children and pets away from the space when in operation. The metal grill on the front of space heaters is likely very hot and could cause burns if skin comes into contact with it. 

Safety Tips - Space Heater #1

Space heats are a great way to warm your home while taking some of the workload off your HVAC unit. Understanding how to safely use space heaters will prevent such a disaster from happening to you and your family like a fire.

Never Leave a Space Heater Unattended

A no brainer but it happens all the time. Fact is that once you leave a space heater unattended your not there to prevent harm coming to your home if something were to go wrong. Always be mindful to turn off a space heater when you leave the room for a period of time.