Seven mistakes that drive home energy bills through the roof

Published Feb 3, 2015 at 3:04 pm (Updated Feb 3, 2015)

Here are some tips to avoid appliance and heating and cooling equipment care mistakes that waste energy and money.

1. Not fixing appliances right away.

Failing appliance parts can cause other components to run nearly constantly, wasting energy and leading to more expensive repairs. Pay close attention to changes in appliance performance. Troubleshoot and repair at the first warning signs to save energy and prevent problems.

2. Leaving dirty filters in furnaces and air handlers.

Furnace and air handler air filters should be changed at every three to six months. Air flow restriction will cause the unit to run longer to keep up and may also lead to problems such as a furnace overheating and air conditioner coils freezing. It also negatively impacts home air quality. Those who suffer from allergies may need to replace the filters more frequently.

3. Forcing the central air condensing unit to work in bad conditions.

The condensing units aluminum fins surrounding the condenser coils tend to collect leaves, grass clippings and other yard debris. Its important to regularly remove debris to maintain good airflow over the coils, which dissipate the heat.

A refrigerator condenser coil-cleaning brush makes this a simple job. The aluminum fins are delicate so it is important to be gentle when cleaning the condensing unit.

4. Lint buildup in dryer venting.

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Seven mistakes that drive home energy bills through the roof