Your home heating system is crucial for keeping your family comfortable in cold weather, so maintaining it in good working order should be a top priority. There’s a lot of good information available on how to care for your furnace, but there also are a number of myths. Avoiding misinformation can make the difference between operating an efficient heating system and spending too much on your utility bills.
Even homeowners with the best intentions can run into trouble by following bad advice.
For example, many people believe they should shut down the heat when leaving home for an extended period of time. However, this just means your system will have to work much harder to bring the house up to a comfortable temperature when you return. It’s actually more efficient — and cost-effective — to turn the thermostat down just a few degrees before you leave. Another common misconception is that you should use space heaters to eliminate chilly areas in your house. These can be dangerous and also use more energy than you think. A better option is to consider upgrading your HVAC if you have rooms that are too cold.
Your home should always be the most comfortable place for you and your loved ones. Don’t let misconceptions about your furnace or ductwork impact your system’s performance or efficiency. See the accompanying infographic for more home heating myths and how to avoid them.
Author bio: Amanda Kinsella is Marketing Director at Logan A/C and Heat Services for the Dayton, Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio markets. Throughout her 10-plus-year career at the company, she has worn many hats and taken on multiple roles.