Home Heating Mistakes to Avoid

While Arizona winters are milder than in many parts of the country, desert nights can still get chilly, prompting most residents to fire up their heating systems. But, in our efforts to stay cozy, we can make mistakes that can lead to energy waste and can even be risky. Here are some common heating mistakes to avoid during the short but chilly Arizona winter.

1. Cranking Up the Thermostat

One of the biggest mistakes is setting the thermostat too high. In Arizona, you rarely need indoor temperatures above 68°F. Each degree above this can increase your energy consumption by 3-5%. Instead, you’ll want to reduce the temperature at night, wear additional warm clothing, and add blankets to stay comfortable at night. You may want to consider a programmable thermostat to optimize temperature settings during the daytime, at night, and when you’re away from home.

2. Heating Empty Spaces

Heating rooms you’re not using wastes energy. You can avoid this by closing doors in unused rooms, consider installing a zoned heating system for additional temperature control, and using space heaters only in occupied rooms. Never leave space heaters unattended and place them at least three feet away from flammable objects.

3. Blocking Vents

Furniture, curtains, or rugs blocking vents can restrict airflow, reduce heating efficiency, and even create fire hazards. You’ll want to ensure all vents are clear and unobstructed.

4. Misusing the Fireplace

While fireplaces can add warmth and ambiance, they can also waste heat if used improperly. You’ll want to close the damper when the fireplace is not in use, add glass doors to prevent warm air from escaping, and consider a fireplace insert for greater efficiency.

5. Forgetting About Ceiling Fans

You may not realize that ceiling fans can help distribute warm air in winter. You’ll want to change the fans to rotate clockwise at low speed which pushes warm air down from the ceiling.

6. Neglecting Home Energy Audits

A home energy audit is a long-term investment. These can identify specific areas where your home is losing heat and provide tailored recommendations for improvement. Best of all, a home energy audit offers a 30% tax credit up to $150 per year.

Contact Bruce’s

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can stay comfortable during the winter months without seeing a dramatic spike in your energy bills. As a locally owned business, we understand and appreciate our customers. We consider our HVAC professionals to be the best in the Valley of the Sun. Call Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating today at 480-968-5652 to schedule all your home’s service needs.