Eight Common Heating Myths Debunked

There are plenty of 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 debunk the eight most common myths to keep your home comfortable and lower your heating bills.

Myth 1: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Money

The idea that closing vents saves on heating costs is a prevalent misconception. But your heating unit is supposed to heat your residence 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 greater energy use. That is why 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 originates from the idea that reheating a cold house takes more energy than maintaining a constant temperature. While this has some truth to it, changing the temperature in some situations does lead to 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 costs. 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. Of course, you can get around this problem with a special heat pump thermostat.

The best way to take advantage of setback periods is to put in a programmable thermostat. By doing this, the temperature resumes 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 cold, it seems like a good idea 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 real high heats the home more rapidly. But in reality your heater works at the same rate regardless of 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 eliminate cold spots is not a good long-term answer. 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. Plus, space heaters can be dangerous if operated unattended. They also use a lot of electricity, leading to greater energy bills.

Myth 5: There’s No Need for a Tune-Up if the Furnace Works Fine

It’s a common misconception that if your HVAC system is working, everything is fine, and it doesn’t need a tune-up. Additionally, many homeowners feel that a new furnace doesn’t require seasonal maintenance for the first few years. However, all furnaces benefit from regular maintenance, regardless of how long they’ve been in service. Yearly tune-ups encourage efficiency, prevent breakdowns and can extend system life span. A maintenance visit is also the ideal time for a specialist to find and repair minor issues before they turn into bigger, more costly problems.

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

Even though you want to use your furnace for its entire life span, waiting for it to break down completely is not recommended. Preventive furnace replacement avoids an emergency during freezing weather. Indeed, it’s an investment, but new, more energy-efficient furnaces can save you a great deal on your energy bills and increase overall home comfort.

Myth 7: When It Comes to Furnace Size, Bigger Is Better

When it comes to HVAC systems, it’s not a good idea to pick the biggest unit possible. An oversized furnace can lead to repeated cycling, which is inefficient and wears out the system faster. Call 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 Furnace Brand Is the Most Crucial Decision

Though the maker of HVAC equipment is relevant, the installation service provider is actually more critical. Correct installation is crucial to efficient and effective operation. Research and pick an experienced and reputable company for furnace installation to get the most 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 appreciate a more comfortable, energy-efficient home in Fort Lauderdale. For more help, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can solve all your comfort issues with fast, lasting 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 real difference in your life, please contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Call 954-736-4314 today to schedule an appointment!