Home Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make

Never Changing the Furnace Filter

Clogged air filters are usually to blame when a furnace stops working. Dirty air filters are also hard on blower motors and heat exchangers, so it’s a good idea to replace your air filter before there’s a problem. It can be hard to remember to check it regularly. That’s where an air filter gauge can help; it eliminates guesswork by measuring airflow and telling you exactly when it’s time to change your air filter.

Never Checking the Thermostat

Did you know that you can save money on your energy bills by monitoring and setting your thermostat? Simply reset your thermostat at night and when you are away from home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “you can save as much as 10 percent per year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back seven to 10° for eight hours a day from its normal setting.”

Never Checking the Power on the Furnace

Make sure the power is on! The power switch for your furnace looks like a regular light switch and can get bumped and turned off accidentally. If the switch is off, just flip it back on. See more simple furnace fixes you can DIY.

Starting Up the AC Without Doing This:

On first hot day in spring or summer, what will you do if you turn on the A/C and it doesn’t work? Don’t make the mistake of calling a service technician before you check this common oversight. Move the thermostat mode switch from ‘Cooling’ to ‘Off’ and move the fan switch from ‘Auto’ to ‘On.’ Let the blower run for at least 30 minutes or until there’s good airflow at the registers. Then turn the A/C back on to test it.

Fertilizing at the Wrong Time of Year

If you fertilize your lawn only when you think it needs it, when you have time or when fertilizer is on sale, you may be wasting time and money. Fertilizers need to be applied at certain times during the growing season. For more on when and how to fertilize your lawn

Never Cleaning Your Dryer Lint Screen

If your gas clothes dryer isn’t getting your clothes dry, the culprit is often a lint-clogged vent. Use a vacuum and/or a brush to clean out the lint and the dryer should work fine, unless you accidentally shut off the gas valve. Service technicians see this all the time

Not Calling Before Digging

Did you know there’s a nationwide number you can call before you dig? Call 811 to have your underground utility lines marked—for free. We recommend calling before starting any project that requires digging, even small projects like planting shrubs. Hitting an underground utility line with your shovel can knock out power to your house or neighborhood, and it can cause serious bodily harm—even death—not to mention a rather large bill from the utility company. When you call 811 from anywhere in the country,
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