Eight Popular Heating Misconceptions Debunked

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

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

Myth 1: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Cash

The thought that closing vents saves on heating costs is a prevalent misconception. But your heating unit is built to heat your residence with a balanced flow of return and supply air. Closing vents throws off this balance, possibly leading to pressure buildup, overheating and increased energy use. That is why 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, you may be interested in installing a zoning system.

Myth 2: Keeping the Temperature Constant Is More Efficient Than Raising and Lowering It

This myth comes from the idea that reheating a cold house demands more energy than leaving the thermostat alone. Although this has some truth to it, longer setbacks do result in energy savings. The U.S. Department of Energy says that scheduling a 7- to 10-degree setback period for eight hours a day can save up to 10% on your heating bills. The only time this is not true is if you are operating a a heat pump, which utilizes a backup electric resistance heater during the recovery period. Although, you can overcome this problem with a special heat pump thermostat.

The best way to reap the benefits of setback periods is to put in 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 to a Higher Temperature Warms Your Home More Quickly

If you start feeling cold, it seems like a good idea to raise the temperature as high as you’re able. The thought here is that, like pushing down harder on a gas pedal, raising the temperature higher heats the home faster. But in reality your heater works at the same rate irrespective of how high the thermostat is set. If you’re cold, put on a sweater and raise the temperature a degree or two so it doesn’t get uncomfortably hot and end up wasting power.

Myth 4: Space Heaters Work Great for Cold Spots

Using space heaters to deal with cold spots is not an ideal 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 power, leading to bigger energy bills.

Myth 5: You Don’t Need Preventive Furnace Maintenance

It’s a common belief that if your furnace works, everything is fine, and it doesn’t need a tune-up. Along those same lines, many homeowners feel that a new furnace doesn’t need yearly maintenance for the first few years. However, all furnaces can use regular maintenance, regardless of how long they’ve been in service. Yearly tune-ups promote efficiency, prevent breakdowns and can extend system life span. A maintenance tune-up is also the ideal time for a technician 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

Even though you want to use your furnace for its entire life span, waiting for it to break down completely is not recommended. Preventive furnace replacement avoids an emergency during freezing weather. Certainly, it’s an investment, but new, more energy-efficient furnaces can save you a great deal 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, buying the most powerful system does not mean you will have a warmer home. An oversized furnace can lead to continual cycling, which is inefficient and wears out the system a lot quicker. Work with a trusted heating and cooling professional, like the crew at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, 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

Although the maker of HVAC equipment is important, the installation service provider is even 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.

Partner with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Heating Service in Fort Lauderdale

Now that you know the truth behind these heating myths, you’re ready to enjoy a more comfortable, energy-efficient home in Fort Lauderdale. For more help, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can fix all your comfort issues with speedy, durable solutions. All of our service is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, meaning we’re not satisfied until you are. For expert service that makes a meaningful difference in your life, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Call 954-736-4314 today to schedule an appointment!