Top Bad Heating and Cooling Habits Homeowners Must Break In The New Year

Heating and Cooling Mistakes Households Need to Avoid

The New Year is the perfect time to abandon bad habits and embrace smarter choices—especially in maintaining a home’s heating and cooling system. Many homeowners unknowingly make common mistakes that increase energy costs, decrease comfort, and result in costly repairs. Breaking these habits can improve system performance, lower expenses, and extend the life of the HVAC system.

To help homeowners get started, here are some expert tips from Melbourne, FL, HVAC professionals.

Changing the Air Filter Late

While homeowners might eye-roll every time the furnace contractor recommends changing their HVAC system’s air filter regularly, there are many reasons for property owners to change the filters every 1 to 3 months.

AC filters play a key role by trapping dust, dirt, and allergens, preventing them from circulating throughout a home or clogging the system.

Replacing the furnace filter at least every three months provides several important benefits:

• Improved Airflow: Clean filters ensure air flows freely, helping the HVAC system work more efficiently.
• Better Indoor Air Quality: Filters capture airborne particles, creating a cleaner and healthier environment inside the home.
• Reduced System Strain: A clean filter minimizes stress on the HVAC system, prolonging its lifespan and reducing the risk of breakdowns.

Failing to schedule air filter replacements can lead to significant problems, including:

• Restricted Airflow: A clogged filter forces the system to work harder, increasing energy consumption and utility bills.
• Decreased Efficiency: Dirty filters can hinder performance, making it difficult to maintain consistent temperatures.
• Potential for Costly Repairs: Systems under strain are more prone to malfunctions, which can lead to expensive repairs or premature replacement.

Property owners should regularly check and replace air filters to keep their HVAC systems running smoothly. If they have pets, allergies, or live in a dusty area, they may need to replace filters more frequently to ensure optimal performance and maintain good indoor air quality.

By prioritizing this simple yet effective maintenance task, they can extend the life of the HVAC system, reduce energy costs, and create a healthier, more comfortable living space for the family.

Keeping Air Vents Closed

While homeowners might think closing air vents in unused rooms will save energy, it can damage the HVAC system. Blocking vents disrupts the system’s balance and causes several issues:

• Increased System Strain: When vents are blocked, the HVAC system pushes air through the remaining open vents harder. This extra effort stresses the blower motor and ductwork, increasing the risk of damage.
• Uneven Temperatures: Closing vents throw off airflow, making maintaining consistent temperatures throughout the home difficult. This can result in uncomfortable hot and cold spots.
• Higher Energy Costs: The additional strain reduces system efficiency and drives up energy consumption, leading to higher utility bills instead of savings.

To manage energy use effectively, homeowners should use a programmable thermostat rather than closing vents. These thermostats allow households to adjust temperatures in different home areas according to a schedule, maintaining comfort while optimizing energy savings.

By keeping vents open and adopting smart energy-saving strategies, homeowners can extend the lifespan of their HVAC system, improve efficiency, and reduce operating costs.

Forgetting to Schedule HVAC Maintenance

Regular heating maintenance ensures a home’s heating and cooling system operates at its best. Unfortunately, many homeowners skip these appointments, mistakenly thinking they aren’t necessary. However, routine care is a smart investment in an HVAC system's efficiency and longevity.

Scheduling annual heater maintenance comes with several important advantages:

• Early Detection of Problems: A professional technician can inspect, clean, and tune up the system, identifying minor issues before they escalate into costly repairs.
• Enhanced Energy Efficiency: A well-maintained system requires less energy to heat or cool a home, lowering utility bills.
• Prolonged System Lifespan: Regular care reduces wear and tear, helping a system last longer and perform more reliably.

If homeowners forgo regular HVAC maintenance, they can experience numerous negative impacts. Some common issues they might experience are:

• Increased Breakdowns: Without proper upkeep, the system is more prone to unexpected failures, which can be inconvenient and expensive.
• Decreased Efficiency: Dust, debris, and worn-out components can hinder performance, causing higher energy consumption and uneven heating or cooling.
• Voided Warranty: Many HVAC manufacturers require regular maintenance to keep warranties valid. Skipping service could leave homeowners responsible for costly repairs or replacements.

To keep their HVAC system in top condition, homeowners should aim to schedule professional air conditioning maintenance twice a year:

• In the Fall: Focus on a thorough heating system check-up to prepare for the colder months.
• In the Spring: Get an air conditioning tune-up to ensure it’s ready for the summer heat.

Regular air conditioner maintenance ensures the home stays comfortable year-round, prevents unnecessary expenses, and extends the life of the HVAC system, making it a cost-effective and stress-free solution for homeowners.

About Ranger Air Conditioning & Heating

A veteran-owned HVAC company, Ranger Air Conditioning offers top-ranked AC and heating services to Brevard County. They offer same-day services, and satisfaction is guaranteed. Call them today for heater repairs or heating replacements in Melbourne, FL.

Contact Information:

Ranger Air & Heat

729 E Seminole Ave
Melbourne, FL 32901
United States

Jerry Lawson
(321) 576-7688
https://www.rangerairandheat.com/