Eight Frequent Heating Fallacies Debunked
There are plenty of myths out there about home heating that cause confusion and inefficient furnace usage. It’s time to get the facts out there.
Here, the heating professionals at Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts get to the bottom of the eight most common myths to keep your home comfortable and decrease your heating bills.
Myth 1: Shutting Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Cash
The concept that closing vents saves on heating expenses is a prevalent misconception. But your heating equipment is designed to heat your entire house with a balanced flow of return and supply air. Shutting 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 promote even heating and more efficient energy use. If you want to heat 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 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 provinces that scheduling a 7- to 10-degree setback period for eight hours a day can save up to 10% on your heating expenses. The only time this isn’t true is if you are operating a a heat pump, which employs a backup electric resistance heater during the recovery period. Although, you can get around this problem with a special heat pump thermostat.
The best way to make the most of setback periods is to install 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 Really High is the Fastest Way to Heat a Cold Home
If you start feeling cold, it’s tempting to raise the temperature as high as possible. The thought here is that, like pushing down very hard on a gas pedal, raising the temperature to a very high temperature heats the home faster. But the simple 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 prevent overshooting your comfort zone and wasting energy.
Myth 4: Space Heaters Are an Effective Solution to Warm Cold Spots
Using space heaters to deal with 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 rooms, this suggests an issue with your insulation or ductwork. Additionally, space heaters can be dangerous if operated unattended. They also use a lot of energy, leading to higher energy bills.
Myth 5: You Don’t Need Preventive Furnace Maintenance
It’s a common myth that if your furnace runs, everything is fine, and it doesn’t need a tune-up. Along those same lines, many homeowners feel that a new furnace doesn’t require yearly maintenance for the first few years. However, all furnaces benefit from regular maintenance, regardless of how old they are. Seasonal tune-ups increase efficiency, prevent breakdowns and can lengthen system life span. A maintenance appointment is also the ideal time for a specialist 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
While you want to utilize your furnace for its entire life, waiting for it to break down completely is not a good idea. Proactive 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 enhance 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. A furnace that’s too big can lead to continual cycling, which is inefficient and wears out the system faster. Call a trusted heating and cooling professional, like the crew at Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts, who can help you select an appropriate 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
Though the brand of furnace is relevant, the installation service provider is much more critical. Proper installation is absolutely essential 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 Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts for Heating Service in Windsor
Now that you know the cold, hard facts behind these heating myths, you’re ready to appreciate a more comfortable, energy-efficient home in Windsor. For more help, call Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts. We can solve all your comfort dilemmas with fast, 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 real difference in your life, get in touch with Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts. Call 226-773-3357 today to schedule an appointment!