Eight Common Heating Fallacies Debunked

There are many myths out there about home heating that lead to confusion and inefficient furnace use. It’s time to clear up these common misconceptions.

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

Myth 1: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves on Heating Bills

The concept that closing vents saves on heating expenses is a common misconception. But your heating equipment is built to heat your entire house with a balanced flow of return and supply air. Sealing up some of the vents throws off this balance, potentially leading to pressure buildup, overheating and greater energy use. That is why you should keep at least 80% of your vents open continually to facilitate even heating and more efficient energy use. If you need to control the temperature in certain rooms more than others, look into installing a zoning system.

Myth 2: Maintaining a Constant Temperature Is More Efficient Than Raising and Lowering It

This myth comes from the idea that reheating a cold house takes more energy than maintaining a constant temperature. Although this has some truth to it, changing the temperature in some situations does 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 is not true is if you have a heat pump, which utilizes a backup electric resistance heater during the recovery period. However, you can get around this dilemma with a special heat pump thermostat.

The best way to take advantage of setback periods is to set up 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’s tempting 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 quicker. But the truth is your heater works at the same rate no matter how high the thermostat is set. If you’re cold, put on a sweater and turn up the temperature a degree or two to prevent overshooting your comfort zone and wasting energy.

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

Using space heaters to deal with cold spots is not an ideal long-term remedy to a heating problem. 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 safety hazard if operated unattended. They also consume a lot of power, leading to higher energy bills.

Myth 5: You Don’t Need Preventive Furnace Maintenance

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 think that a new furnace doesn’t require annual maintenance for the first few years. However, all furnaces can run better with regular maintenance, regardless of age. Seasonal tune-ups promote efficiency, prevent breakdowns and can increase system life span. A maintenance appointment is also the ideal time for a professional to identify and correct minor issues before they turn into bigger, more costly problems.

Myth 6: You Shouldn’t Replace a Furnace Until It Breaks Down for Good

While you want to use your furnace for its entire life, waiting for it to break down completely is not advisable. Preventive furnace replacement avoids an emergency during freezing weather. Indeed, it’s an investment, but new, more energy-efficient heating systems can save you substantially on your energy bills and improve 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 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

Although the maker of HVAC equipment is one of the factors you should consider when getting a new system, the installation service provider is actually more critical. Correct installation is crucial 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.

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 experience a more comfortable, energy-efficient home in Fort Lauderdale. For more help, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can fix all your comfort troubles with fast, lasting 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, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Call 954-736-4314 today to schedule an appointment!