Misinformation runs rampant in the age of social media, and home care is no exception. If you believe certain myths about heating your home, you could waste money and put unnecessary strain on your HVAC system.
Common myths include the idea that setting your thermostat to a higher temperature will make your home heat up faster, that heating the basement will heat the rest of the house, or that closing vents in unused rooms will save you money. These are simply not true.
Avoid falling for these myths and keep your heating system running efficiently. Schedule regular maintenance with an HVAC technician. Routine check-ups prevent costly repairs, improve performance, and extend your system’s lifespan.
- Myth 1: Closed Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Money
- Myth 2: Space Heaters Are More Efficient Than a Furnace
- Myth 3: Furnaces Don’t Need Maintenance if They’re Working
- Myth 4: The Bigger the Furnace, the Better
- Myth 5: Cranking the Thermostat Heats the Home Faster
- Myth 6: Maintaining the Same Temperature Saves Money
- Myth 7: Fireplaces Heat Homes Efficiently
- Myth 8: Heating the Basement Heats the Whole House
- Myth 9: Ceiling Fans Are Only Useful During Summer
Myth 1: Closed Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Money
Some believe that you can save money by closing the vents in rooms you aren’t using. The logic behind this is that the air will redirect to other areas and make it easier for the furnace or heat pump to heat the home, but this is not true.
What actually happens is that the airflow in your ducts gets restricted, and pressure can build up in the system, which can lead to leaks and therefore waste money and energy. It’s recommended that you let your furnace heat your home evenly — even in rooms you’re not using.
Read More: 7 Signs Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning
Myth 2: Space Heaters Are More Efficient Than a Furnace
Another misconception is that if you’re experiencing a cold spot or one room isn’t heating properly, the best solution is to use a space heater. However, it’s actually better to examine your heating system than to use a portable substitute. Here’s why:
- Uneven heating is a sign of problems in your furnace that could snowball into bigger issues or a complete system failure if ignored.
- Space heaters can cost more money than you’d think to run.
- A space heater can overload the circuit in your outlet and cause electrical problems
- Space heaters pose a possible fire hazard. Never plug them into surge protectors or extension cords.
Myth 3: Furnaces Don’t Need Maintenance if They’re Working
A common saying is if something isn’t broken, don’t fix it. It’s not a bad saying, but it can be facetious, especially when it concerns your home’s furnace. This myth can be harmful and shorten your system’s lifespan.
A furnace and heating system should undergo annual maintenance. An HVAC technician will keep them in good shape and address any problems you may be missing before they become even bigger.
Learn more about HVAC maintenance:
Myth 4: The Bigger the Furnace, the Better
Get a furnace proportional to your home size instead of going for the biggest one you can, to ensure it lasts longer and doesn’t develop as many issues. If your furnace is too big for your home, it may lead to serious problems:
- Short-cycling
- Uneven heating
- Higher electric bills
- Humidity issues
- Increased furnace strain
- Complete system failure
Myth 5: Cranking the Thermostat Heats the Home Faster
It might seem logical that the higher you set the heat on your thermostat, the faster your house will warm up. However, this is not true. The heat in your home will increase at the same rate no matter how high you set it, and if you forget to adjust it once you reach the temperature you want, you wind up wasting money and energy.
I recommend setting your thermostat to 68 degrees when you’re home and awake to balance comfort and energy efficiency.
A smart thermostat can help you obtain the best temperature for your home without wasting energy. Read more in our guide: Are Smart Thermostats Worth It? Pros and Cons
Myth 6: Maintaining the Same Temperature Saves Money
A prominent myth is that you shouldn’t lower the temperature in your house when you’re not home. The reality is that you do, in fact, save money by lowering your home temperature periodically.
I suggest lowering your thermostat to 60-65 degrees when you’re away or sleeping. This will lower your heating costs while keeping your pipes from freezing.
Myth 7: Fireplaces Heat Homes Efficiently
Fireplaces are a poor way to heat a house. The amount of wood required is costly, and chimneys are a major source of heat loss, especially in winter. You shouldn’t rely on a fireplace alone to heat your house, no matter how cozy it is.
Myth 8: Heating the Basement Heats the Whole House
Homeowners think that because heat rises, it only seems logical that the heat from their basement would rise to the first floor and above. However, it’s not true.
In order for this myth to work, you would need a massive, very well-insulated basement, and even then, it would be highly inefficient. You’re better off heating your whole house normally.
Myth 9: Ceiling Fans Are Only Useful During Summer
Finally, almost every home has a ceiling fan or two, and you might think they’re only useful during the warm season. However, they can also help during the cooler months.
If you switch the direction they spin, they can be used to circulate warm air in your room and send it downwards. To do this, locate the switch on your fan’s motor and reverse it.
Find an HVAC Technician Near You
Now that you know the common myths about heating your home, you can avoid inadvertently increasing your energy bills and straining your furnace. The next step is to schedule your annual HVAC inspection.
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Main Photo Credit: rh2010 / Adobe Stock Free / License
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