Eight Common Heating Misconceptions Debunked

There are lots of myths out there about home heating that lead to confusion and inefficient furnace usage. It’s time to get the facts out there.

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

Myth 1: Shutting Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Cash

The concept that closing vents saves on heating spending is a common misconception. But your heating unit is designed to heat your entire house with a balanced flow of return and supply air. Shutting vents throws off this balance, oftentimes leading to pressure buildup, overheating and more energy use. That is why 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, 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 stems from the idea that reheating a cold house takes more energy than keeping your thermostat at one temperature all the time. Even though this has some truth to it, dialing back the temperature sometimes can produce 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 as much as 10% on your heating expenditures. The only time this wouldn’t be true is if you are operating a a heat pump, which utilizes a backup electric resistance heater during the recovery period. Of course, you can get around this problem with a special heat pump thermostat.

The best way to make the most of setback periods is to install 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 Really High is the Fastest Way to Heat a Cold Home

If you start feeling cold, it’s tempting to raise the temperature as high as possible. The thought here is that, like pushing down all the way on a gas pedal, raising the temperature to a very high temperature heats the home more rapidly. But the stark reality is your heater works at the same rate no matter how high the thermostat is set. If you’re cold, put on a sweater and raise the temperature a degree or two to prevent overshooting your comfort zone and wasting electricity or fuel.

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

Using space heaters to combat cold spots is not the best long-term answer. Your heating and air system is designed to heat your entire home, so if there are cold spots, this indicates an issue with your insulation or ductwork. Plus, space heaters can be a danger if operated unattended. They also consume a lot of electricity, leading to higher energy bills.

Myth 5: You Don’t Need Preventive Furnace Maintenance

It’s a common belief that if your furnace runs, everything is fine, and it doesn’t need a tune-up. Along those same lines, many homeowners feel that a new furnace doesn’t require seasonal maintenance for the first few years. However, all furnaces can use regular maintenance, regardless of age. Seasonal tune-ups promote efficiency, prevent breakdowns and can increase system life span. A maintenance visit is also the ideal time for a professional to find and repair 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 make use of your furnace for its entire life, waiting for it to break down completely is not recommended. Proactive furnace replacement prevents 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 enhance 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. A furnace that’s too big can lead to repeated cycling, which is inefficient and wears out the system more quickly. Call a trusted heating and cooling professional, like the crew at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, who can help you find a properly sized furnace for your home based on factors like square footage, layout and climate.

Myth 8: The Furnace Brand Is the Most Crucial Decision

While the manufacturer is relevant, the installation service provider is even more critical. Correct installation is the key to efficient and effective operation. Research and pick an experienced and reputable company for furnace installation to get the most out of your investment.

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

Now that you know the real story 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 speedy, lasting solutions. Our work is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, meaning we’re not satisfied until you are. For professional service that makes a significant difference in your life, please contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Call 866-397-3787 today to schedule an appointment!