Common HVAC Mistakes That Cost You Money (And How to Avoid Them)
No homeowner likes wasting money, especially on energy bills. Yet many Maryland homeowners are losing out on valuable energy savings because of common HVAC mistakes that go unnoticed.
Your HVAC system works hard to keep your home comfortable, but if it’s not running efficiently, you are draining your wallet without even realizing it. So how do you avoid wasting hundreds of dollars a year in energy spending?
Our HVAC guide will walk you through common HVAC mistakes and how to avoid them, while also showing you how to save money on energy bills in Maryland with some simple fixes you can do TODAY.
1. Skipping Regular HVAC Maintenance
This is the big one that homeowners see to always forget. Just like your car needs regular oil changes, your HVAC system needs regular tune-ups to work efficiently. When you skip maintenance, dust builds up within the system, parts wear down, and small problems become expensive repairs.
Avoid it:
Schedule professional HVAC maintenance at least twice a year—once before winter and once before summer. It’s a small investment that can save you a ton on your energy bills. Plus, Shamrock HVAC system makes it easy by offering a $90 HVAC check – see how this simple HVAC maintenance can save you a ton of money.
2. Using the Wrong Thermostat Settings
Setting your thermostat too high in winter or too low in summer doesn’t cool or heat your home faster—it just makes your system work harder and longer. Many homeowners don’t know the best thermostat settings to combat the Maryland heat and humidity and this can cost you 10% more in energy bills.
Avoid it:
Stick to recommended energy-efficient settings when it comes to your thermostat. In Maryland, 68°F in the winter and 78°F in the summer is ideal when you’re home. When you’re away, adjust by 7–10°F to save more. Get in-depth tips on the best thermostat settings for Maryland homes and avoid the extra cost in energy bills.
3. Blocking Vents
Do you have furniture covering your vents? Is it “just a chair” or “the dresser isn’t that close” or “we don’t use that room much anyway”? Blocked vents can seriously increase energy bills by making your HVAC unit work harder. When you’re trying to save on energy bills in Maryland, don’t make your system work overtime – clear space around the vents and thank us later.
Avoid it:
Make sure vents and registers are clear of furniture, rugs, or curtains. Good airflow is key to HVAC efficiency and comfort. Pull curtains up or hem them shorter, move rugs to a clear area, and rearrange the furniture to improve air flow.
4. Forgetting Air Filter Replacements
Replacing your air filter is on every list of common HVAC problems to avoid. That’s because homeowners don’t realize how big of an impact this can have on your energy bills and how easy it is to save money on energy bills in Maryland by doing this one task every year. It’s because a dirty air filter makes your system work harder, increases your energy bill, and hurts your indoor air quality all at once.
Avoid it:
Check your air filters monthly and replace them at least every 90 days—more often if you have pets or allergies. This can allow air to move more freely, clear up any dust or allergens you’re circulating, and create a cleaner environment all around.
5. Ignoring Air Leaks
Most homes have drafts coming from somewhere. It may be gaps in windows, doors, or ductwork. Cool or warm air pumped from your HVAC unit is being filtered outdoors before it has a chance to regulate the temperature of your home. You’re wasting money by heating and cooling the outdoors.
Avoid it:
For a simple, affordable fix, use weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows. Have your ductwork inspected and sealed by a professional to prevent energy loss if the sealant isn’t working or you’re noticing your HVAC unit is still running non-stop and the temperature isn’t changing.
6. Wrong Sized HVAC
Bigger isn’t always better. When you invest in a new HVAC installation in Maryland, you may think that a bigger unit will provide better temperature control. However, a system that’s too big or too small will cycle inefficiently, wear out faster, and waste energy. You need to have a new residential HVAC unit assessed for your size home and usage.
Avoid it:
Hire a licensed HVAC expert from Shamrock Heating and Air to assess your home and recommend the right size. Proper sizing depends on your home’s square footage, insulation, windows, and more. You’ll thank us later when the energy bills go down and the comfort improves.
7. Running the System All Day
Keeping your HVAC system running 24/7 is like leaving your car engine idling in the driveway—it’s unnecessary and costly. Just because the HVAC unit is running doesn’t mean it is heating or cooling more efficiently. With the right steps of sealing air leaks, monitoring your thermostat, and clearing the air filter, your HVAC unit should be able to run in cycles to maintain the comfort of your home.
Avoid it:
Use programmable or smart thermostats to automatically adjust the temperature when you’re asleep or away, so you don’t need the HVAC unit running all day to keep a consistent temperature.
8. Not Upgrading to Energy-Efficient Units
They say if it’s not broken don’t fix it, but is it true? In fact, if you’re using an HVAC system that is over 10 years old, it could be outdated and inefficient. Older models don’t have the energy-efficient upgrades that newer HVAC models come with. It could be costing you hundreds of extra dollars each year to run an older unit. Maryland offers energy rebates and incentives that many homeowners don’t even know about. That’s free money left on the table.
Avoid it:
Consider upgrading to an ENERGY STAR® certified unit. These systems use up to 20% less energy than standard models—helping you save money on energy bills in Maryland. Plus, you may be eligible for financing or tax cuts for being eco-friendly. Check out programs like BGE’s Smart Energy Savers Program. You could qualify for rebates when you install energy-efficient HVAC systems or smart thermostats.
9. Improper Thermostat Placement
When you invest in a new thermostat installation, you want to check with your HVAC company about the installation point. Thermostats help regulate the temperature of your home by assessing the temperature exactly where they are placed. If your thermostat is too close to a vent, in the sun, near a draft, or any other location with fluctuating temperature, it would appropriately signal to your unit when to turn off or on.
Avoid it:
Ensure the thermostat is placed on an interior wall away from drafts, windows, or heat-producing appliances. Make it as central as you can between vents for the best readings.
10. DIY Repairs
Homeowners look up DIY HVAC repairs to help save money but this can actually cost you more in the long run. Incorrect repairs can lead to more damage or safety hazards that build over time. You want to invest in professional HVAC repairs in Maryland so you know you are not losing energy efficiency or missing signs of a bigger problem.
Avoid it:
Leave repairs to trained professionals. Your cousin’s friend might offer to “take a look” at your system for cheap—but unlicensed work can void warranties and lead to expensive fixes. Always hire licensed and insured HVAC technicians. Ask for references and verify credentials before letting anyone touch your system. It’s safer, and it’ll save you money in the long run.
Read More: 6 Facts To Consider Before Selecting An HVAC Contractor
Avoid the Mistakes -- Save Money
Avoiding common HVAC mistakes isn’t just about comfort—it’s about keeping more money in your pocket. Whether it’s changing a filter, upgrading to an energy-efficient system, or just placing your thermostat in the right spot, these small changes can lead to big energy savings for Maryland homeowners.
If you’re wondering how to save money on energy bills in Maryland, start with your HVAC system. Call Shamrock HVAC today to get started. Want to stop wasting money and start saving today? Begin with your HVAC system—it’s one of the easiest and most impactful ways to reduce your energy bills in Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I service my HVAC system in Maryland?
At least twice a year—once before summer and once before winter—to ensure efficiency and prevent breakdowns.
Is upgrading to a smart thermostat worth it?
Yes! Smart thermostats can reduce energy use by learning your schedule and adjusting temperatures automatically.
What’s the ideal thermostat setting for saving money?
For Maryland, 68°F in winter and 78°F in summer while at home are ideal. Adjust by 7–10°F when you’re away.
Can poor insulation really affect my HVAC efficiency?
Absolutely. Poor insulation allows heat or cool air to escape, making your system work harder and increasing your bills.
Are there any Maryland-specific energy rebate programs for HVAC upgrades?
Yes! Programs like BGE’s Smart Energy Savers offer rebates for efficient equipment, tune-ups, and smart thermostats.
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Get in Touch with Shamrock HVAC Services
- 3932A Ten Oaks Rd #F Dayton, MD 21036
- Office: (301) 854-3495
- Fax: (301) 854-3497
- shamrockservicehvac@gmail.com
- Serving Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia