Eight Popular Heating Myths Debunked
There are many myths out there about home heating that cause confusion and inefficient furnace use. It’s time to get the facts out there.
Here, the heating professionals at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning get to the bottom of the eight most common myths to keep your home comfortable and decrease your heating bills.
Myth 1: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves on Heating Bills
The thought that closing vents saves on heating spending is a widespread misconception. But your heating unit is built to heat your residence with a balanced flow of return and supply air. Shutting vents throws off this balance, possibly leading to pressure buildup, overheating and more energy use. For that reason you should keep at least 80% of your vents open all the time to facilitate even heating and more efficient energy use. If you’re interested in heating certain rooms more than others, you may be interested in 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 demands more energy than keeping your thermostat at one temperature all the time. Although this has some truth to it, dialing back the temperature sometimes can lead to 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 expenses. The only time this is not true is if you are operating a a heat pump, which employs a backup electric resistance heater during the recovery period. Although, you can get around this dilemma with a special heat pump thermostat.
The best way to make the most of setback periods is to put in a programmable thermostat. This way, 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 Really High is the Fastest Way to Heat a Cold Home
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 to a very high temperature 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 increase the temperature a degree or two to avoid overheating your home and wasting energy.
Myth 4: Space Heaters Are an Effective Solution to Warm Cold Spots
Using space heaters to eliminate cold spots is not a good 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. In addition, space heaters can be a danger if operated unattended. They also use a lot of electricity, leading to greater energy bills.
Myth 5: You Don’t Need Preventive Furnace Maintenance
It’s a common belief that if your furnace runs, everything is fine, and it doesn’t need a tune-up. Along those same lines, many homeowners feel that a new furnace doesn’t have to have annual maintenance for the first few years. However, all furnaces can use regular maintenance, regardless of age. Seasonal tune-ups promote efficiency, prevent breakdowns and can lengthen system life span. A maintenance appointment is also the ideal time for a specialist to find and fix 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 span, waiting for it to break down completely is not advisable. Proactive furnace replacement prevents an emergency during frigid weather. Indeed, it’s an investment, but new, more energy-efficient models can save you a surprising amount on your energy bills and improve overall home comfort.
Myth 7: When It Comes to Furnace Size, Bigger Is Better
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 repeated cycling, which is inefficient and wears out the system faster. Work with a trusted heating and cooling professional, like the crew at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, who can help you select 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 one of the factors you should consider when getting a new system, the installation service provider is actually more critical. Correct installation is the key to efficient and effective operation. Research and pick an experienced and reputable company for furnace installation to get the most out of your investment.
Partner with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Heating Service in Calgary
Now that you know the cold, hard facts behind these heating myths, you’re ready to enjoy a more comfortable, energy-efficient home in Calgary. For more help, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can address all your comfort issues with quick, long-lasting 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, get in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Call 403-279-5760 today to schedule an appointment!