As the cold weather settles in, many of us start relying on our heating systems. Unfortunately, this increased use means that the cost of utility bills can dramatically increase. While homeowners may want to keep their energy costs low, there are some common myths that can actually mean that you waste energy. Here are just four common myths you should be aware of to avoid costly mistakes.
Cranking Up the Thermostat Warms the Home Faster:
Many homeowners have come home to a cold house and immediately cranked the thermostat all the way. This action is usually due to the myth that cranking up the thermostat can warm the home faster. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and you are likely to be wasting energy and money with no impact on the temperature in your home. The mechanics of your heating system mean that the heater cannot possibly pump more warmed air into your home, even if the temperature is set on high. Cranking up the thermostat simply means that your system will work longer to reach the higher temperature. In most cases, homeowners only realize that they have left the temperature set on maximum when the house becomes uncomfortably hot. This means that you not only feel uncomfortable, but you have wasted money.
Portable Heaters are Cheaper Than a Central Gas Heating System:
When trying to save money on energy bills, some people will use several portable heaters rather than turn on their central heating system. This approach is often used to heat high traffic areas, with the theory that a smaller space is bound to be cheaper to heat with portable heaters. Unfortunately, with the cost of electricity, this is faulty logic. Typically, it costs up to five times more to use electric portable heaters to heat the same area compared to a gas furnace. This disparity means that you are likely to spend the same money on heating a room or two, rather than the whole house.
Ceiling Fans are Only Useful in Summer:
Many homeowners only give thought to their ceiling fans in summer, but they can be very useful throughout the year. You can actually improve the energy efficiency of your heating system by using your ceiling fans as the temperatures drop. If you set your fans to spin clockwise, you can force the warm air rising to the ceiling down into the room. This action will increase the ambient temperature in the room, without needing additional output from your furnace.
Upgrading Windows Can Dramatically Cut Energy Costs:
The logic behind this argument is relatively sound. Cracks in an old window can introduce cold air and allow heated air to escape out of the home. Unfortunately, some homeowners significantly exaggerate the savings from window replacement. New windows can be very expensive, and the cost will need to be recouped over decades of energy savings. There are more effective ways to increase energy efficiency with far less drastic home improvements. For example, installing insulation around ducting, plumbing pipes and electrical outlets, in addition to installing exterior door weather strips, require only a small amount of money, but can add up to significant energy savings.
Contact a reputable HVAC company for your heating needs.