Eight Popular Heating Myths Debunked
There are many myths out there about home heating that lead to confusion and inefficient furnace use. It’s time to get the facts out there.
Here, the heating professionals at A1 Chesney Service Experts debunk the eight most common myths to keep your home comfortable and reduce your heating bills.
Myth 1: Shutting Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Cash
The concept that closing vents saves on heating expenses is a common misconception. But your heating unit is built 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 increased energy use. That is why you should keep at least 80% of your vents open continually to encourage even heating and more efficient energy use. If you’re interested in heating certain rooms more than others, consider 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 demands more energy than keeping your thermostat at one temperature all the time. Although 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 up to 10% on your heating expenditures. The only time this wouldn’t be true is if you have a heat pump, which employs a backup electric resistance heater during the recovery period. Although, you can get around this dilemma with a special heat pump thermostat.
The best way to make the most 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 to a Higher Temperature Warms Your Home More Quickly
If you start feeling chilly, it’s tempting to raise the temperature as high as possible. The thought here is that, like pushing down harder on a gas pedal, raising the temperature higher heats the home quicker. 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 increase the temperature a degree or two to avoid overheating your home and wasting power.
Myth 4: Space Heaters Are a Good Way to Heat Cold Spots
Using space heaters to combat cold spots is not a good long-term answer. Your heating and air system is designed to heat your entire home, so if there are cold spots, this suggests an issue with your insulation or ductwork. Additionally, space heaters can be dangerous if operated unattended. They also consume a lot of energy, leading to increased energy bills.
Myth 5: If Your Furnace Runs, It Doesn’t Need a Tune-Up
It’s a common myth that if your HVAC system runs, everything is fine, and it doesn’t need a tune-up. Similarly, many homeowners think that a new furnace doesn’t need seasonal maintenance for the first few years. However, all furnaces can run better with regular maintenance, regardless of age. Yearly tune-ups increase efficiency, prevent breakdowns and can extend system life span. A maintenance call is also the ideal time for a specialist to find and correct minor 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 advisable. Proactive furnace replacement avoids an emergency during cold weather. Certainly, it’s an investment, but new, more energy-efficient furnaces can save you substantially on your energy bills and increase 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. Installing a furnace that’s too powerful for your living space can lead to repeated cycling, which is inefficient and wears out the system faster. Work with a trusted heating and cooling professional, like the crew at A1 Chesney Service Experts, who can help you find 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
Although the maker of HVAC equipment is relevant, the installation service provider is even more critical. Proper installation is crucial to efficient and effective operation. Research and select an experienced and reputable company for furnace installation to get the maximum return from your investment.
Call A1 Chesney Service Experts for Heating Service in Calgary
Now that you know the cold, hard facts behind these heating myths, you’re ready to appreciate a more comfortable, energy-efficient home in Calgary. For more help, turn to A1 Chesney Service Experts. We can fix 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 expert service that makes a meaningful difference in your life, get in touch with A1 Chesney Service Experts. Call 587-315-5271 today to schedule an appointment!
