3 Common Heating and Cooling Mistakes to Avoid
As a new year begins, many households look for practical ways to improve comfort and cut unnecessary expenses. Heating and cooling habits play a major role in both. A few small changes can lighten the workload on furnaces and air conditioners while helping indoor spaces feel more consistent. This post highlights three common HVAC habits to leave behind in the new year: neglecting air filter replacement, blocking or closing air vents, and skipping routine heating maintenance and AC maintenance. Use this overview as a simple checklist for healthier equipment and better indoor air quality.
Not Replacing Air Filters
A clean air filter is essential for healthy airflow and efficient operation. Over time, dust and debris clog the filter and restrict circulation through the system. When air filter replacement falls behind, the blower must work harder, causing unnecessary strain and inefficiency.
Fresh filters support:
- Better indoor air quality by capturing dust, pollen, and pet dander
- More even temperatures between rooms
- Improved energy efficiency and potentially lower heating and cooling costs
- Longer equipment life by reducing wear on motors and coils
Most homes benefit from checking the air filter at least once a month and replacing it every one to three months, depending on indoor conditions and manufacturer guidelines.
Blocking or Closing Air Vents
Closing supply registers or blocking return air vents with furniture can seem like an easy way to redirect airflow, but this habit often backfires. Forced-air systems are carefully balanced. When airflow pathways close, static pressure inside ductwork rises, and the system struggles to move the same volume of air.
Consequences can include:
- Hot and cold spots throughout the building
- Extra strain on blowers and other components
- Whistling noises or rattling ducts
- Reduced energy efficiency and higher utility bills
Keeping air vents open and unobstructed allows conditioned air to circulate freely, prevents pressure imbalances, and helps equipment operate within its intended design range.
Skipping Maintenance
Ongoing heating maintenance and air conditioning maintenance provide the foundation for reliable performance. During a tune-up, technicians inspect safety controls, clean internal parts, tighten electrical connections, check refrigerant levels in cooling systems, and verify that airflow and temperature rise fall within safe parameters.
Consistent maintenance offers several advantages:
- Higher energy efficiency and steadier comfort
- Lower risk of sudden breakdowns or costly emergency repairs
- Longer service life for furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners
- Quieter operation and improved indoor air quality
- Peace of mind that the equipment is running safely
Scheduling professional AC maintenance before summer and heating maintenance before winter helps catch small issues early, preventing minor wear from turning into major system failures.
About Sasquatch Home Services
Sasquatch Home Services provides a comprehensive range of expert HVAC and electrical services in Langford and the surrounding areas. Their trusted technicians are background-checked and utilize the latest technology to provide on-time solutions for all your HVAC and electrical needs. Call today to schedule heating services in Langford, BC.
