7 Heating Myths You Shouldn’t Believe as a Homeowner

Many people have questions about the best way to use their heating system. Unfortunately, homeowners often hear heating myths online or from friends. In many cases, these myths provide false information that can negatively impact the function of your heating system.

Get the truth about your heating system by contacting our Trust 1 Services team at 617-905-1366. Then, read on to learn all about the seven heating myths you shouldn’t believe as a homeowner, courtesy of the heating experts of Trust 1 Services.

1. Cranking Up the Thermostat Makes It Work Faster

We understand why people believe this myth. Turning the thermostat up far above the temperature you want seems like it should make the system warm your house more quickly. However, your heater will operate at the same speed, regardless of the temperature you set.

Setting a very high temperature only makes your furnace run longer as it tries to reach the cut-off point. Making your furnace overheat your home may cause extra wear and tear on the heating system. Additionally, setting your thermostat very high can increase your overall energy expenses. Keep these factors in mind when considering this myth.

2. Bigger Is Always Better

You may have heard that the best way to heat your home is to purchase the largest furnace possible. In general, it seems like it should make sense that a bigger heating system would operate more effectively for your property.

However, overly large heaters often cause problems for property owners. If your heater is too large, it may result in uneven heating throughout your property. Large HVAC units also tend to lead to unpleasant humidity levels, especially if you have a joint heating and cooling system.

Instead of buying the largest heating system, experts recommend getting a unit designed to heat your space. Consider the square footage of your home, the number of rooms in the shade, and other factors when sizing your heater.

In addition, remember that buying a heating unit that is too small comes with its own problems. Small heaters may struggle to warm your entire home. As a result, they end up running for longer periods, increasing your energy bills and wearing out the system.

3. You Save Money with Space Heaters

Some people claim that space heaters help you save money, especially when compared to gas heating systems. This heating myth even comes with a grain of truth – in some situations. For example, you may save money by lowering your thermostat and using a space heater if you only need to warm a small space.

However, if you want to heat more than half of your home, a space heater will likely cost you more money.

4. You Always Save Money with a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable (or smart) thermostats give you a head start on lowering your heating expense. These thermostats allow you to change the temperature from different locations, even if you aren’t home.

You can schedule your thermostat to automatically raise or lower the temperature based on the time of day, too. In addition, some models allow you to include settings based on the weather. However, these features only help if you program the thermostat correctly.

Some people install a smart thermostat and treat it like their old model. As a result, they don’t see any impact on their monthly energy bills.

5. Fireplaces Effectively Heat Your Home

Fireplaces have a nostalgic appeal to many people. They were the primary source of heat in homes for many years. While they have a warm and welcoming appearance, fireplaces are usually inefficient.

Much of the heat produced by the fire escapes through the chimney. Further, you’ll pay high prices for enough firewood to keep your fireplace running long enough to warm your home. Generally, you can save money by using a water heater, gas furnace, or electric system.

6. It’s Best to Keep Your House at One Temperature

Many of us have heard that the best way to heat your home is to set it at a single temperature and leave it there. Again, we understand why people believe this myth. It makes sense that asking your heater to adjust the temperature could add extra strain to the system.

In reality, you can lower your energy expenses by changing the thermostat throughout the day. Experts recommend turning the temperature down a bit at night and bumping it up a few degrees during the day to match exterior temperature changes.

For example, the temperature usually drops outside at night. If you keep your furnace on the same setting, the system must work harder to maintain a consistent temperature. Lowering your desired temperature helps reduce the system’s energy output, and most people don’t notice the lower temperature since they sleep at night.

7. Ceiling Fans Always Cool Your Home

Finally, some property owners turn off their ceiling fans as soon as summer ends, believing they don’t need them anymore. In fact, many ceiling fans come with dual functionality, allowing them to help warm your home in the winter.

You can check your ceiling fan for a small switch on the bottom or side of the unit. Flipping this switch should cause your ceiling fan to operate in a clockwise direction.

When spinning clockwise, your fans will draw the cold air up from the bottom of the room. As this happens, the fan pushes warm air down. This function helps maintain the heat in your home and reduces the strain on your heating system.

You may check the ceiling fans throughout your home to see if they include this function. If so, you can let your fans work year-round to keep you comfortable.

Learn More About Heating Myths with Our Team

Do you want to learn more about common heating myths? Get the answers you’re looking for with our Trust 1 Services team. Alongside expert guidance and advice, we also offer 24-hour HVAC services in Quincy.

Contact us for help with your plumbing, heating, and cooling system needs in Quincy, MA. We’re ready to take your call today at 617-905-1366.