Eight Popular Heating Myths Debunked
There are lots of myths out there about home heating that cause confusion and inefficient furnace usage. It’s time to set the record straight.
Here, the heating professionals at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning reveal the truth behind the eight most common myths to keep your home comfortable and decrease your heating bills.
Myth 1: Shutting Vents in Unused Rooms Saves on Heating Bills
The concept that closing vents saves on heating costs is a widespread misconception. But your heating system 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, oftentimes leading to pressure buildup, overheating and more energy use. For that reason you should keep at least 80% of your vents open at all times to promote 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: Setting Your Thermostat and Then Leaving It Alone Is More Efficient Than Raising and Lowering It
This myth stems from the idea that reheating a cold house takes more energy than maintaining a constant temperature. Although this has some truth to it, longer setbacks do lead to 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 costs. 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. However, you can solve this challenge with a special heat pump thermostat.
The best way to take advantage of setback periods is to put in a programmable thermostat. This way, 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 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 possible. The thought here is that, like pushing down all the way on a gas pedal, raising the temperature real high heats the home faster. But the truth is your heater works at the same rate regardless 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 Work Great for Cold Spots
Using space heaters to deal with cold spots is not an ideal long-term solution. Your heating and cooling system is designed to heat your entire home, so if there are cold spots, this suggests an issue with your insulation or ductwork. In addition, space heaters can be dangerous if operated unattended. They also utilize a lot of energy, leading to bigger energy bills.
Myth 5: If Your Furnace Runs, It Doesn’t Need a Tune-Up
It’s a common misconception that if your HVAC system works, everything is fine, and it doesn’t need a tune-up. Additionally, many homeowners believe 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 long they’ve been in service. Yearly tune-ups promote efficiency, prevent breakdowns and can increase system life span. A maintenance appointment is also the ideal time for a specialist to diagnose and correct small issues before they turn into bigger, more costly problems.
Myth 6: Wait for the Furnace to Break Down Before Replacing It
Even though you want to utilize your furnace for its entire life span, waiting for it to break down completely is not a good idea. Preventive furnace replacement avoids an emergency during frigid weather. Indeed, it’s an investment, but new, more energy-efficient models 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. An oversized furnace can lead to continual 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 choose a properly sized furnace for your home based on factors like square footage, layout and climate.
Myth 8: The Most Important Part of Furnace Installation Is the Brand
Although the maker of HVAC equipment is important, 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.
Partner with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Heating Service in Edmonton
Now that you know the cold, hard facts behind these heating myths, you’re ready to appreciate a more comfortable, energy-efficient home in Edmonton. For more help, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can correct all your comfort troubles with fast, durable solutions. All of our service 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, get in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Call 587-404-0790 today to schedule an appointment!