Eight Common Heating Misconceptions 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 professionals at Winnipeg Supply Service Experts reveal the truth behind the eight most common myths to keep your home comfortable and reduce your heating bills.
Myth 1: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Cash
The thought that closing vents saves on heating costs is a common misconception. But your heating unit is built to heat your residence with a balanced flow of return and supply air. Shutting vents throws off this balance, possibly leading to pressure buildup, overheating and more energy use. For that reason you should keep at least 80% of your vents open continually 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: 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 requires more energy than keeping your thermostat at one temperature all the time. While this has some truth to it, dialing back the temperature sometimes can 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 a maximum of 10% on your heating bills. 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 overcome this dilemma with a special heat pump thermostat.
The best way to reap the benefits of setback periods is to set up a programmable thermostat. By doing this, 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 to a Higher Temperature Warms Your Home More Quickly
If you start feeling a chill, it may seem enticing 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 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 so it doesn’t get uncomfortably hot and end up wasting energy.
Myth 4: Space Heaters Work Great for Cold Spots
Using space heaters to eliminate cold spots is not a good 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. Additionally, space heaters can be a safety hazard if operated unattended. They also use a lot of energy, leading to bigger energy bills.
Myth 5: You Don’t Need Preventive Furnace Maintenance
It’s a common belief that if your HVAC system is working, 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 annual maintenance for the first few years. However, all furnaces can run better with regular maintenance, regardless of how old they are. Annual tune-ups encourage efficiency, prevent breakdowns and can prolong system life span. A maintenance visit is also the ideal time for a technician to diagnose and repair little issues before they turn into bigger, more costly problems.
Myth 6: Wait for the Furnace to Break Down Before Replacing It
Although you want to make use of your furnace for its entire life, waiting for it to break down completely is not advisable. Preventive furnace replacement reduces the chances of an emergency during frigid 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 Warmer the Home
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. Work with a trusted heating and cooling professional, like the crew at Winnipeg Supply Service Experts, 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 brand of furnace is one of the factors you should consider when getting a new system, the installation service provider is much more critical. Proper installation is crucial to efficient and effective operation. Research and locate an experienced and reputable company for furnace installation to get the biggest bang for your buck out of your investment.
Choose Winnipeg Supply Service Experts for Heating Service in Winnipeg
Now that you know the real story behind these heating myths, you’re ready to enjoy a more comfortable, energy-efficient home in Winnipeg. For more help, turn to Winnipeg Supply Service Experts. We can solve all your comfort problems with quick, long-lasting solutions. Everything we do 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 Winnipeg Supply Service Experts. Call 204-800-0613 today to schedule an appointment!
