Eight Popular Heating Myths Debunked

There are plenty of myths out there about home heating that cause confusion and inefficient furnace use. It’s time to clear up these common misconceptions.

Here, the heating authorities at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing debunk the eight most common myths to keep your home comfortable and decrease your heating bills.

Myth 1: Shutting Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Money

The idea that closing vents saves on heating costs is a prevalent misconception. But your heating system is designed to heat your residence with a balanced flow of return and supply air. Shutting vents throws off this balance, potentially leading to pressure buildup, overheating and more energy use. Therefore, you should keep at least 80% of your vents open continually to promote even heating and more efficient energy use. If you want to heat certain rooms more than others, you may be interested in installing a zoning system.

Myth 2: Setting Your Thermostat and Then Leaving It Alone Is More Efficient Than Raising and Lowering It

This myth originates from the idea that reheating a cold house takes more energy than keeping your thermostat at one temperature all the time. While this has some truth to it, longer setbacks do result in energy savings. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that scheduling a 7- to 10-degree setback period for eight hours a day can save up to 10% on your heating expenditures. The only time this is not true is if you have a heat pump, which utilizes a backup electric resistance heater during the recovery period. Although, you can solve this dilemma with a special heat pump thermostat.

The best way to take advantage of setback periods is to set up a programmable thermostat. By doing this, the temperature is once again at a a comfortable setting before you get home from work or wake up in the morning.

Myth 3: Setting the Thermostat Really High is the Fastest Way to Heat a Cold Home

If you start feeling chilly, it’s tempting to raise the temperature as high as you’re able. The thought here is that, like pushing down all the way on a gas pedal, raising the temperature higher heats the home faster. But in reality your heater works at the same rate regardless of how high the thermostat is set. If you’re cold, put on a sweater and turn up the temperature a degree or two so it doesn’t get uncomfortably hot and end up wasting energy.

Myth 4: Space Heaters Work Great for Cold Spots

Using space heaters to overcome cold spots is not a good long-term solution. Your heating and air system is designed to heat your entire home, so if there are cold rooms, this indicates an issue with your insulation or ductwork. In addition, space heaters can be a danger if operated unattended. They also utilize a lot of energy, leading to bigger energy bills.

Myth 5: You Don’t Need Preventive Furnace Maintenance

It’s a common misconception that if your HVAC system is working, everything is fine, and it doesn’t need a tune-up. Similarly, many homeowners think that a new furnace doesn’t need yearly maintenance for the first few years. However, all furnaces can use regular maintenance, regardless of how old they are. Annual tune-ups promote efficiency, prevent breakdowns and can increase system life span. A maintenance tune-up is also the ideal time for a technician to diagnose and fix little issues before they turn into bigger, more costly problems.

Myth 6: You Shouldn’t Replace a Furnace Until It Breaks Down for Good

Although you want to utilize your furnace for its entire life span, waiting for it to break down completely is not recommended. Proactive furnace replacement reduces the chances of an emergency during frigid weather. Certainly, it’s an investment, but new, more energy-efficient furnaces can save you substantially on your energy bills and improve overall home comfort.

Myth 7: When It Comes to Furnace Size, Bigger Is Better

When it comes to HVAC systems, buying the most powerful system does not mean you will have a warmer home. Installing a furnace that’s too powerful for your living space can lead to frequent cycling, which is inefficient and wears out the system more quickly. Work with a trusted heating and cooling professional, like the crew at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, who can help you find an appropriate furnace for your home based on factors like square footage, layout and climate.

Myth 8: Buying a Certain Brand of Furnace Is the Way to Get a Warm Home

Though the manufacturer is important, the installation service provider is even more critical. Correct installation is crucial to efficient and effective operation. Research and pick an experienced and reputable company for furnace installation to get the maximum return from your investment.

Call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Heating Service in the U.S.

Now that you know the truth behind these heating myths, you’re ready to appreciate a more comfortable, energy-efficient home in the U.S.. For more help, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We can fix all your comfort issues with quick, durable solutions. All of our service is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, meaning we’re not satisfied until you are. For professional service that makes a meaningful difference in your life, get in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Call 866-397-3787 today to schedule an appointment!