8 Common Heating Myths Debunked
Numerous fallacies about home heating lead to misunderstandings and poor furnace operation. It is time to set the record straight.
Here, the heating experts at HVAC Repair Guide refute the eight most frequent fallacies about keeping your home comfortable and lowering your heating costs.
Myth #1: Closing vents in unused rooms saves money.
The assumption that blocking vents reduces heating expenses is a prevalent misunderstanding. However, your heating system is designed to heat your home using a balanced flow of return and supply air. Closing vents disrupt this balance, leading to pressure buildup, overheating, and increased energy consumption. As a result, you should maintain at least 80% of your vents open at all times for even heating and more efficient energy consumption. Try implementing a zoning system to heat specific rooms more than others.
Myth 2: Maintaining a constant temperature is more efficient than increasing and decreasing it.
This fallacy arises from believing that warming a cold house consumes more energy than leaving the thermostat alone. While this holds some reality, lengthier delays do result in energy savings. According to the US Department of Energy, establishing a 7- to 10-degree setback period for eight hours daily can save up to 10% on heating expenditures. The only exception is if you have a heat pump that uses an electric resistance heater as a backup during the recovery phase. Of course, you may solve this problem with a specialized heat pump thermostat.
Installing a programmable thermostat is the most effective approach to take advantage of setback periods. This way, the temperature will return to a comfortable level before you arrive home from work or wake up in the morning.
Myth 3: Increasing the Thermostat Heats the Home Faster.
Raising the temperature as high as possible is tempting if you begin to feel cold. The idea is that raising the temperature, like pressing down harder on the gas pedal, heats the house faster. But the truth is that your heater operates at the same rate regardless of how high the thermostat is set. If you're cold, wear a sweater and raise the temperature a degree or two to avoid exceeding your comfort zone and wasting energy.
Myth 4: Space Heaters are an effective way to warm cold spots.
Using space heaters to counteract cold spots is not an ideal long-term solution. Your HVAC system is supposed to heat your entire home, so any chilly areas indicate a problem with insulation or ductwork. Furthermore, unattended operation of space heaters can pose a safety risk. They also use a lot of electricity, resulting in increased energy costs.
Myth 5: No tune-up is needed if the Furnace works well.
It's a widespread misconception that if your furnace runs properly, it doesn't require any maintenance. Similarly, many homeowners believe a new furnace only requires annual maintenance during the first few years. Every furnace, regardless of age, benefits from regular maintenance. Annual tune-ups improve efficiency, reduce problems, and can extend system life. A maintenance visit is also an excellent opportunity for a technician to discover and resolve minor faults before they escalate into more significant, expensive problems.
Myth 6: Wait until the furnace breaks down before replacing it.
While you want to use your furnace for its entire life, waiting for it to fail is not suggested. Proactive furnace replacement avoids an emergency during cold weather. Yes, it is an investment, but newer, more energy-efficient models can significantly reduce energy expenses while improving overall house comfort.
Myth 7: The larger the furnace, the better.
When it comes to HVAC systems, more does not always mean better. An excessive furnace can cause frequent cycling, which is inefficient and wears down the system faster. Work with a reputable heating and conditioning professional, such as the HVAC Repair Guide team, to help you select the right furnace for your home based on square footage, layout, and climate.
Myth 8: The Furnace Brand Is the Most Important Decision.
While the manufacturer is significant, the installation service provider is even more crucial. Proper installation is critical to efficient and effective performance. Research and choose a trustworthy and professional furnace installation provider to get the most out of your investment.