Eight Frequent Heating Fallacies Debunked

There are plenty of myths out there about home heating that create confusion and inefficient furnace operation. It’s time to get the facts out there.

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 on Heating Bills

The idea that closing vents saves on heating spending is a common misconception. But your heating unit is supposed to heat your whole home with a balanced flow of return and supply air. Shutting 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 encourage even heating and more efficient energy use. If you need to control the temperature in certain rooms more than others, consider installing a zoning system.

Myth 2: Keeping the Temperature Constant Is More Efficient Than Raising and Lowering It

This myth stems from the idea that reheating a cold house requires more energy than leaving the thermostat alone. While this has some truth to it, longer setbacks do produce 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 as much as 10% on your heating bills. The only time this isn’t true is if you have a heat pump, which utilizes a backup electric resistance heater during the recovery period. Of course, you can overcome this challenge with a special heat pump thermostat.

The best way to take advantage of setback periods is to set up a programmable thermostat. By doing 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 Higher Heats the Home Faster

If you start feeling cold, it’s tempting to raise the temperature as high as you’re able. 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 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 prevent overshooting your comfort zone and wasting power.

Myth 4: Space Heaters Are an Effective Solution to Warm 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 indicates an issue with your insulation or ductwork. Plus, space heaters can be a danger if operated unattended. They also utilize a lot of electricity, leading to bigger energy bills.

Myth 5: You Don’t Need Preventive Furnace Maintenance

It’s a common misconception that if your HVAC system works, everything is fine, and it doesn’t need a tune-up. Similarly, many homeowners think that a new furnace doesn’t have to have yearly maintenance for the first few years. However, all furnaces can use regular maintenance, regardless of how long they’ve been in service. Annual tune-ups encourage efficiency, prevent breakdowns and can lengthen system life span. A maintenance tune-up is also the ideal time for a specialist to find and fix small issues before they turn into bigger, more costly problems.

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

Although you want to utilize your furnace for its entire life, waiting for it to break down completely is not advisable. Timely furnace replacement avoids an emergency during freezing weather. Indeed, it’s an investment, but new, more energy-efficient models can save you substantially on your energy bills and improve overall home comfort.

Myth 7: The Bigger the Furnace, the 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 frequent cycling, which is inefficient and wears out the system sooner. Rely on the advice of a trusted heating and cooling professional, like the crew at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, who can help you choose an appropriate furnace for your home based on factors like square footage, layout and climate.

Myth 8: Buying a Certain Brand of Furnace Is the Way to Get a Warm Home

While the manufacturer is one of the factors you should consider when getting a new system, the installation service provider is even more critical. Excellent installation is the key to efficient and effective operation. Research and pick an experienced and reputable company for furnace installation to get the maximum return from your investment.

Choose 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 experience a more comfortable, energy-efficient home in Fort Lauderdale. For more help, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can address all your comfort problems with quick, lasting solutions. All of our service is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, meaning we’re not satisfied until you are. For skilled service that makes a meaningful difference in your life, please contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Call 954-736-4314 today to schedule an appointment!