Eight Common Heating Myths Debunked

There are many myths out there about home heating that create confusion and inefficient furnace operation. It’s time to clear up these common misconceptions.

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

Myth 1: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Money

The concept that closing vents saves on heating spending is a common misconception. But your heating system is designed to heat your residence with a balanced flow of return and supply air. Closing vents throws off this balance, potentially leading to pressure buildup, overheating and greater energy use. Therefore, you should keep at least 80% of your vents open continually to facilitate even heating and more efficient energy use. If you need to control the temperature in certain rooms more than others, look into installing a zoning system.

Myth 2: Maintaining a Constant Temperature Is More Efficient Than Raising and Lowering It

This myth originates from the idea that reheating a cold house takes more energy than maintaining a constant temperature. Even though this has some truth to it, changing the temperature in some situations does result in 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. Of course, you can get around this dilemma with a special heat pump thermostat.

The best way to take advantage of setback periods is to put in a programmable thermostat. This way, 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 cold, it’s tempting to raise the temperature as high as you can. The thought here is that, like pushing down all the way on a gas pedal, raising the temperature real high heats the home faster. But the simple truth is your heater works at the same rate regardless of how high the thermostat is set. If you’re cold, put on a sweater and increase the temperature a degree or two to avoid overheating your home and wasting electricity or fuel.

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

Using space heaters to eliminate cold spots is not an ideal long-term solution. Your heating and air system is designed to heat your entire home, so if there are cold spots, this suggests an issue with your insulation or ductwork. Additionally, space heaters can be a safety hazard if operated unattended. They also consume a lot of energy, leading to higher energy bills.

Myth 5: If Your Furnace Runs, It Doesn’t Need a Tune-Up

It’s a common myth that if your heating system works, everything is fine, and it doesn’t need a tune-up. Similarly, many homeowners feel that a new furnace doesn’t have to have annual maintenance for the first few years. However, all furnaces benefit from regular maintenance, regardless of how long they’ve been in service. Annual tune-ups encourage efficiency, prevent breakdowns and can increase system life span. A maintenance appointment is also the ideal time for a specialist to identify and fix minor issues before they turn into bigger, more costly problems.

Myth 6: Wait for the Furnace to Break Down Before Replacing It

Although you want to utilize your furnace for its entire lifetime, waiting for it to break down completely is not recommended. Proactive furnace replacement reduces the chances of an emergency during freezing weather. Certainly, it’s an investment, but new, more energy-efficient heating systems 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 sooner. Work with 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 brand of furnace is important, the installation service provider is even more critical. Proper installation is absolutely essential to efficient and effective operation. Research and locate an experienced and reputable company for furnace installation to get the most out of your investment.

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

Now that you know the cold, hard facts behind these heating myths, you’re ready to experience a more comfortable, energy-efficient home in the U.S.. For more help, reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We can solve all your comfort troubles with quick, lasting solutions. Everything we do is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, meaning we’re not satisfied until you are. For expert 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!