Eight Popular Heating Fallacies Debunked

There are many 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 get to the bottom of the eight most common myths to keep your home comfortable and decrease your heating bills.

Myth 1: Shutting Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Money

The idea that closing vents saves on heating costs is a widespread misconception. But your heating equipment is supposed to heat your entire house with a balanced flow of return and supply air. Closing vents throws off this balance, potentially leading to pressure buildup, overheating and more energy use. That is why you should keep at least 80% of your vents open all the time to encourage even heating and more efficient energy use. If you’re interested in heating certain rooms more than others, look into installing a zoning system.

Myth 2: Setting Your Thermostat and Then Leaving It Alone Is More Efficient Than Raising and Lowering It

This myth comes from the idea that reheating a cold house requires more energy than keeping your thermostat at one temperature all the time. While this has some truth to it, longer setbacks do 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 a maximum of 10% on your heating bills. The only time this wouldn’t be true is if you use a heat pump, which employs a backup electric resistance heater during the recovery period. Although, you can overcome this dilemma with a special heat pump thermostat.

The best way to take advantage of setback periods is to put in a programmable thermostat. When you do this, 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 to a Higher Temperature Warms Your Home More Quickly

If you start feeling a chill, it may seem enticing 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 higher heats the home faster. But in reality your heater works at the same rate no matter how high the thermostat is set. If you’re cold, put on a sweater and raise the temperature a degree or two to avoid overheating your home 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 the best long-term solution. Your heating and cooling system is designed to heat your entire home, so if there are cold rooms, this suggests an issue with your insulation or ductwork. Additionally, space heaters can be a danger if operated unattended. They also use a lot of power, leading to increased energy bills.

Myth 5: You Don’t Need Preventive Furnace Maintenance

It’s a common myth that if your heating system runs, everything is fine, and it doesn’t need a tune-up. Similarly, many homeowners feel that a new furnace doesn’t have to have yearly maintenance for the first few years. However, all furnaces can run better with regular maintenance, regardless of age. Annual tune-ups encourage efficiency, prevent breakdowns and can lengthen system life span. A maintenance tune-up is also the ideal time for a technician to diagnose and correct minor issues before they turn into bigger, more costly problems.

Myth 6: Don’t Get a New Furnace Until the Old One Quits

Even though you want to use your furnace for its entire lifetime, waiting for it to break down completely is not a good idea. Proactive furnace replacement prevents an emergency during frigid weather. Yes, 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 Warmer the Home

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 faster. Work with a trusted heating and cooling professional, like the crew at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, who can help you select an appropriate furnace for your home based on factors like square footage, layout and climate.

Myth 8: The Furnace Brand Is the Most Crucial Decision

Though the brand of furnace is relevant, the installation service provider is much more critical. Correct installation is absolutely essential to efficient and effective operation. Research and select an experienced and reputable company for furnace installation to get the biggest bang for your buck out of your investment.

Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Heating Service in Fort Lauderdale

Now that you know the real story behind these heating myths, you’re ready to enjoy a more comfortable, energy-efficient home in Fort Lauderdale. For more help, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can fix all your comfort troubles with quick, durable solutions. Everything we do is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, meaning we’re not satisfied until you are. For skilled service that makes a significant difference in your life, please contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Call 954-736-4314 today to schedule an appointment!