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A home’s heating system is one of the most significant investments in your comfort. Along with the installation cost, your heating system is responsible for a large portion of your monthly energy bill. Therefore, it’s no surprise that many heating myths are flying about.
Some homeowners and businesses using air conditioner repair services in Overland Park by Air Unlimited bring up these myths during our interactions. This article will review some of the most popular ones and debunk them.
Myth #1: Closing the Vents in Unused Rooms Can Save You Money
A professional heating installation company will size your heating system to match your home and provide warm air in all the rooms in the house.
If you close vents in specific rooms, you may cause unwanted pressure within the system. As a result, the system will work harder and may force leaks elsewhere. It’s best to keep vents open and allow the system to heat your home evenly.
Myth #2: Keeping the Heating Off When at Work Is a Good Way to Save Money
This is one of the most popular heating myths. Of course, it looks like sound advice to turn off your heating if you’re away for hours—but only on paper. You’ll lose whatever money you save by turning off the heating when you turn it back on, and more. The system must work harder to return to an optimal temperature, using too much energy over a short time.
In addition, the extra strain on the system might cause breakdowns if you turn off the heating frequently. Thus, instead of saving money, you could lose even more. Rather than turning off the system, set your thermostat no more than four degrees lower than your desired temperature.
If you have a programmable thermostat, you can schedule it to resume heating at your preferred temperature a few hours before returning home.
Myth #3: Space Heaters Are Best for Dealing with Cold Spots in the Home
Your heating system should heat your entire home. If you’re experiencing one or more uncomfortable rooms, it’s best to call an HVAC professional to find out why the system isn’t heating effectively. Sometimes, a tune-up or duct cleaning session is all the system needs to go back to heating your home effectively.
If cold spots are due to under-sizing during the original installation, the expert will offer guidance on the best way to proceed. Choosing the wrong type of space heater is hazardous and might cost you more money overall.
Myth #4: Working Heating Systems Don’t Need Tune-Up
Furnaces and heating units are complex systems. They need seasonal maintenance to stay in top shape and remain efficient. Periodic maintenance is also the best way to avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.
You can make tune-ups less expensive by signing up for annual maintenance with a trusted HVAC company like Air Unlimited.
Myth #5: Heating Systems Don’t Need Replacing Until They Break Down
Replacing your furnace at the right time is the best way to avoid emergency replacement at the peak of winter. Ideally, you should replace any heating system older than 12 years old. Newer systems are more efficient, so they are cheaper to run overall.
Myth #6: Bigger Heating Systems Are More Effective
A heating system’s effectiveness comes down to several factors, including the quality and design of your ductwork, the size of your home, and the overall layout.
A system too big for your home will short cycle frequently. On the other hand, a physically big unit that’s not the right match for your home can’t keep your home warm enough. In both cases, the system will wear out quickly.
Instead of choosing a heating system because of its size, seek guidance from a qualified professional. They will size your home and recommend the best option for you.
Myth #7: Setting the Temperature High Warms the House Faster
Turning your thermostat to high heat won’t heat your home faster. On the contrary, it will push the unit too hard, leading to costly repairs. This is in addition to a significant increase in your energy bill.
Keeping your thermostat at a regular temperature during the winter is the best way to ensure your system will heat your home evenly without overexerting itself.
Myth #8: Ceiling Fans Are Not Necessary for the Winter
Ceiling fans are more useful in the summer, but they can also serve a purpose in the winter. Heat rises, so the bulk of the warm air in your room will float upwards.
Reversing the fan’s spin to a clockwise direction can push warm air back into the space, reducing the strain on your heating system. Some fans come with a switch for this function. Turning the blades over can also achieve the same effect if yours doesn’t have the reverse function.
Myth #9: Electric Heating Systems Are More Effective Than Gas
This is another one of the popular heating myths that continue to spread. However, a quick look at the math should clear things up quickly.
Electricity is more expensive than natural gas, and electric heating systems use a lot of it. Therefore, it can cost three to five times more to heat an average home with a heat pump or space heater than with natural gas.
Myth #10: Using a Fireplace Is a Good Way to Save Money
Fire runs on oxygen. The negative pressure will force cold air through tiny cracks around your home, thus lowering the temperature instead of warming it further.
Get Expert Guidance from a Professional
Do you have any heating myths or handed-down recommendations you’d like to debunk or verify? We are here for you. We take pride in helping our clients better understand their heating systems.
Explore our blog for more educational posts and learn why your heater has a burning smell.
Call Air Unlimited Heating & Cooling at (816) 286-7258 to discuss more heating myths. You can also visit our offices at Liberty, MO, and Overland Park, KS.