Are your heating bills rising? It may not be something wrong with your heating system; it could be that you're doing something wrong when you're using it. Many people make mistakes with their heating systems which can cost quite a lot in excess utility use. 

1. Failing to Think About the Windows

It's not enough to just close the windows. You always need to consider the window coverings. If you're trying to keep your home cool, you should cover the windows as much as possible. If you're trying to keep your home warm, you should open your window coverings entirely. In addition to the window coverings, you may also want to check the insulation of your window. Make sure your windows are completely shut and consider investing in temperature-regulating windows, such as double-glass windows.

2. Setting Heating or Cooling Fan to "Always On"

If you set your heating or cooling fan to always on, it will keep working even when it's not needed. Setting your heating or cooling to "auto" is usually preferable because it will only trigger when it's needed. At the same time, you definitely don't want to set it to "always off," because then the air won't be properly circulating and you may find that the furnace or air conditioner needs to work much harder to get the same results. 

3. Forgetting to Open and Close the Vents

Many people don't close the vents in their home because it's a pain. Vents are sometimes high up on the wall or on the ceiling, where you can't reach it. But if you close the vents in the rooms that you use rarely, you will need to warm and cool significantly less space. There are also vents that you can purchase that use wireless technology to open and close them remotely through a smartphone -- they're a little expensive, but could save you money over time.

4. Trying to Turn the Thermostat to an Extreme

Often people will try to warm their home by turning the temperature up to an extreme. If they want it to be 70 degrees, they'll turn it to 80 degrees. There's no point to this. The temperature will rise at the same rate regardless. If you turn it to 80, however, it's likely that you'll overshoot the 70 degree mark and end up wasting your gas or electricity. 

By adjusting how you're using your heating system, you can often save a lot of money. Don't forget that your heating system also needs to be properly maintained and repaired. An HVAC service, like RA Styron Heating and Air Conditioning, can help in reducing your overall costs through regular upkeep.