Eight Frequent Heating Fallacies Debunked

There are lots of myths out there about home heating that lead to 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: Sealing Shut Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Money

The idea that closing vents saves on heating spending is a common misconception. But your heating equipment is built to heat your residence with a balanced flow of return and supply air. Closing vents throws off this balance, oftentimes leading to pressure buildup, overheating and greater energy use. Therefore, you should keep at least 80% of your vents open at all times to encourage even heating and more efficient energy use. If you need to control the temperature in certain rooms more than others, consider 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 requires more energy than keeping your thermostat at one temperature all the time. While this has some truth to it, dialing back the temperature sometimes can produce energy savings. The U.S. Department of Energy states that scheduling a 7- to 10-degree setback period for eight hours a day can save up to 10% on your heating expenses. The only time this isn’t true is if you are operating a a heat pump, which uses a backup electric resistance heater during the recovery period. However, you can overcome this challenge with a special heat pump thermostat.

The best way to reap the benefits of setback periods is to put in a programmable thermostat. When you do 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 Higher Heats the Home Faster

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

Myth 4: Space Heaters Are an Effective Solution to Warm Cold Spots

Using space heaters to combat cold spots is not an ideal long-term solution. Your HVAC system is designed to heat your entire home, so if there are cold areas, this is a sign there is an issue with your insulation or ductwork. In addition, space heaters can be dangerous if operated unattended. They also consume a lot of electricity, leading to bigger energy bills.

Myth 5: There’s No Need for a Tune-Up if the Furnace Works Fine

It’s a common misconception that if your furnace is working, everything is fine, and it doesn’t need a tune-up. Similarly, many homeowners believe that a new furnace doesn’t need annual maintenance for the first few years. However, all furnaces can run better with regular maintenance, regardless of how old they are. Seasonal tune-ups encourage efficiency, prevent breakdowns and can extend system life span. A maintenance appointment is also the ideal time for a professional to find and fix minor issues before they turn into bigger, more costly problems.

Myth 6: Don’t Get a New Furnace Until the Old One Quits

While you want to make use of your furnace for its entire lifetime, waiting for it to break down completely is not advisable. Preventive furnace replacement avoids an emergency during frigid weather. Yes, it’s an investment, but new, more energy-efficient furnaces can save you substantially on your energy bills and increase overall home comfort.

Myth 7: The Bigger the Furnace, the Warmer the Home

When it comes to HVAC systems, it’s not a good idea to pick the biggest unit possible. Installing a furnace that’s too powerful for your living space can lead to continual cycling, which is inefficient and wears out the system a lot quicker. Call a trusted heating and cooling professional, like the crew at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, who can help you choose an ideal furnace for your home based on factors like square footage, layout and climate.

Myth 8: The Furnace Brand Is the Most Crucial Decision

Although the manufacturer is relevant, the installation service provider is even more critical. Excellent installation is the key to efficient and effective operation. Research and locate an experienced and reputable company for furnace installation to get the maximum return from your investment.

Partner with 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 enjoy a more comfortable, energy-efficient home in the U.S.. For more help, reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We can fix all your comfort problems with fast, lasting solutions. Everything we do is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, meaning we’re not satisfied until you are. For skilled service that makes a real difference in your life, reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Call 866-397-3787 today to schedule an appointment!