Eight Popular Heating Fallacies Debunked

There are plenty of myths out there about home heating that lead to confusion and inefficient furnace operation. It’s time to set the record straight.

Here, the heating specialists at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing debunk 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 thought that closing vents saves on heating costs is a common misconception. But your heating system is built to heat your entire house with a balanced flow of return and supply air. Closing 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 at all times to encourage even heating and more efficient energy use. If you want to heat certain rooms more than others, consider installing a zoning system.

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

This myth stems from the idea that reheating a cold house requires more energy than leaving the thermostat alone. Although this has some truth to it, longer setbacks do lead to 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 a maximum of 10% on your heating costs. The only time this wouldn’t be true is if you have a heat pump, which utilizes a backup electric resistance heater during the recovery period. However, you can get around this challenge with a special heat pump thermostat.

The best way to take advantage of setback periods is to set up a programmable thermostat. This way, the temperature resumes to 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 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 quicker. 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 to prevent overshooting your comfort zone and wasting power.

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

Using space heaters to deal with cold spots is not a good long-term solution. Your heating and cooling system is designed to heat your entire home, so if there are cold spots, this is a sign there is an issue with your insulation or ductwork. Additionally, space heaters can be dangerous if operated unattended. They also consume a lot of energy, 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 runs, everything is fine, and it doesn’t need a tune-up. Along those same lines, many homeowners believe that a new furnace doesn’t have to have seasonal maintenance for the first few years. However, all furnaces can run better with regular maintenance, regardless of how long they’ve been in service. Annual tune-ups increase efficiency, prevent breakdowns and can prolong system life span. A maintenance tune-up is also the ideal time for a specialist to find and fix little 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 a good idea. Preventive furnace replacement reduces the chances of an emergency during frigid weather. Certainly, it’s an investment, but new, more energy-efficient heating systems can save you a surprising amount on your energy bills and increase overall home comfort.

Myth 7: The Bigger the Furnace, the Better

When it comes to HVAC systems, it’s not a good idea to pick the biggest unit possible. A furnace that’s too big can lead to repeated 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 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 brand of furnace is important, the installation service provider is much more critical. Excellent installation is absolutely essential to efficient and effective operation. Research and pick 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 real story behind these heating myths, you’re ready to appreciate a more comfortable, energy-efficient home in the U.S.. For more help, reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We can address all your comfort troubles with fast, 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 real difference in your life, reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Call 866-397-3787 today to schedule an appointment!