Eight Frequent Heating Misconceptions Debunked

There are lots of myths out there about home heating that lead to 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 reveal the truth behind 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 concept that closing vents saves on heating expenses is a prevalent misconception. But your heating system is designed to heat your residence with a balanced flow of return and supply air. Shutting 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 all the time to promote 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: Maintaining a Constant Temperature Is More Efficient Than Raising and Lowering It

This myth stems from the idea that reheating a cold house takes more energy than leaving the thermostat alone. Although 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 as much as 10% on your heating bills. The only time this isn’t true is if you use a heat pump, which employs a backup electric resistance heater during the recovery period. However, you can solve this dilemma with a special heat pump thermostat.

The best way to make the most of setback periods is to install a programmable thermostat. This way, the temperature adjusts back 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 a chill, it’s tempting to raise the temperature as high as possible. The thought here is that, like pushing down harder on a gas pedal, raising the temperature to a very high temperature heats the home faster. 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 raise the temperature a degree or two to prevent overshooting your comfort zone and wasting electricity or fuel.

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

Using space heaters to overcome cold spots is not an ideal long-term answer. Your heating and air system is designed to heat your entire home, so if there are cold rooms, this suggests an issue with your insulation or ductwork. In addition, space heaters can be a safety hazard if operated unattended. They also use 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 furnace is working, everything is fine, and it doesn’t need a tune-up. Along those same lines, many homeowners believe that a new furnace doesn’t need 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 lengthen system life span. A maintenance tune-up is also the ideal time for a professional to identify and fix small 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 use your furnace for its entire life, waiting for it to break down completely is not advisable. Proactive furnace replacement avoids an emergency during cold weather. Certainly, it’s an investment, but new, more energy-efficient models can save you a surprising amount 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, 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 frequent cycling, which is inefficient and wears out the system sooner. Rely on the advice of a trusted heating and cooling professional, like the crew at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, who can help you select an ideal 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 manufacturer is relevant, the installation service provider is actually more critical. Correct 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.

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 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 address all your comfort troubles with speedy, lasting solutions. Our work is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, meaning we’re not satisfied until you are. For expert service that makes a significant difference in your life, reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Call 866-397-3787 today to schedule an appointment!