Eight Common Heating Myths Debunked

There are lots of myths out there about home heating that create confusion and inefficient furnace operation. It’s time to clear up these common misconceptions.

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

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

The idea that closing vents saves on heating costs is a widespread misconception. But your heating unit is built to heat your whole home 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. 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, look into 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 requires more energy than maintaining a constant temperature. While this has some truth to it, dialing back the temperature sometimes can result in 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 as much as 10% on your heating bills. The only time this wouldn’t be true is if you use a heat pump, which uses a backup electric resistance heater during the recovery period. However, you can overcome this dilemma with a special heat pump thermostat.

The best way to make the most of setback periods is to install 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 Higher Heats the Home Faster

If you start feeling chilly, it seems like a good idea to raise the temperature as high as you’re able. The thought here is that, like pushing down very hard on a gas pedal, raising the temperature higher heats the home more rapidly. But the simple 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 raise the temperature a degree or two to prevent overshooting your comfort zone and wasting electricity or fuel.

Myth 4: Space Heaters Are an Effective Solution to Warm Cold Spots

Using space heaters to combat cold spots is not the best long-term answer. Your heating and air system is designed to heat your entire home, so if there are cold areas, 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 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 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 have to have annual maintenance for the first few years. However, all furnaces can run better with regular maintenance, regardless of how old they are. Annual tune-ups increase efficiency, prevent breakdowns and can prolong system life span. A maintenance visit is also the ideal time for a technician to find and repair 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 make use of your furnace for its entire lifetime, waiting for it to break down completely is not advisable. Timely furnace replacement prevents an emergency during freezing weather. Certainly, it’s an investment, but new, more energy-efficient heating systems can save you a great deal 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. Installing a furnace that’s too powerful for your living space can lead to repeated 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 select an ideal 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 important, the installation service provider is even more critical. Proper installation is crucial to efficient and effective operation. Research and locate 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 Fort Lauderdale

Now that you know the cold, hard facts 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 solve all your comfort dilemmas with quick, long-lasting solutions. Our work is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, meaning we’re not satisfied until you are. For professional 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!