Eight Popular Heating Misconceptions Debunked

There are plenty 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 on Heating Bills

The idea that closing vents saves on heating spending is a widespread misconception. But your heating unit is designed to heat your whole home 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. For that reason you should keep at least 80% of your vents open continually 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: Keeping the Temperature Constant Is More Efficient Than Raising and Lowering It

This myth stems 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, 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 a maximum of 10% on your heating expenditures. 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 solve this problem with a special heat pump thermostat.

The best way to take advantage of setback periods is to install 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 to a Higher Temperature Warms Your Home More Quickly

If you start feeling a chill, it’s tempting to raise the temperature as high as you can. The thought here is that, like pushing down very hard on a gas pedal, raising the temperature real high heats the home quicker. But the simple truth 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 turn up the temperature a degree or two to avoid overheating your home and wasting energy.

Myth 4: Space Heaters Are a Good Way to Heat Cold Spots

Using space heaters to overcome cold spots is not the best long-term remedy to a heating problem. Your HVAC system is designed to heat your entire home, so if there are cold rooms, this is a sign there is an issue with your insulation or ductwork. Additionally, space heaters can be a danger if operated unattended. They also consume a lot of energy, leading to greater energy bills.

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

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

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

While you want to utilize your furnace for its entire life, waiting for it to break down completely is not recommended. Preventive furnace replacement prevents an emergency during cold weather. Yes, it’s an investment, but new, more energy-efficient furnaces can save you a surprising amount on your energy bills and enhance 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. An oversized furnace can lead to repeated 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 select a properly sized 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

Although the maker of HVAC equipment is one of the factors you should consider when getting a new system, the installation service provider is much more critical. Proper installation is the key 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, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We can solve all your comfort problems with speedy, long-lasting solutions. Our work is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, meaning we’re not satisfied until you are. For skilled 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!