As winter settles in and temperatures drop, many of us rely heavily on our heating systems to keep our homes comfortable. But with all the advice, tips, and myths floating around, it can be hard to know what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to heating your home efficiently.

In this post, we’ll tackle some of the most common heating myths, set the record straight, and offer you the knowledge you need to keep your home warm this winter without overpaying or compromising comfort.

Myth #1: Turning the Thermostat Up Higher Will Heat Your Home Faster

The Myth: Many people believe that if they crank up the thermostat, their home will heat up more quickly. This myth is especially tempting during cold snaps when you want warmth fast.

The Truth: Thermostats simply regulate the temperature of the air in your home; they do not control how fast your furnace works. Setting the thermostat higher than your desired temperature won’t make your system heat your home any faster—it will just make it run longer, wasting energy in the process.

What You Should Do: Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature (typically around 68°F for efficiency) and leave it there. Modern HVAC systems heat your home efficiently and steadily, so there’s no need to overcompensate by cranking up the heat.

Myth #2: Space Heaters Are Always Cheaper Than Central Heating

The Myth: Space heaters are often seen as a cost-effective alternative to central heating. The assumption is that using a small, portable heater to warm just one room is cheaper than running the whole house on central heat.

The Truth: While space heaters can be more efficient in certain situations, they are not always the cheaper option. In fact, using space heaters to heat multiple rooms or for extended periods of time can be more expensive than running your central heating system. Space heaters use a significant amount of energy, and if you leave them on too long or use them in multiple rooms, they can quickly add up on your energy bill.

What You Should Do: Use space heaters strategically—only in rooms that you’re occupying and for short periods of time. If you’re trying to heat the entire house, central heating is usually the most energy-efficient option. Make sure to always follow safety guidelines to avoid fire hazards. Keep the heater away from flammable objects, and never leave it unattended.

Myth #3: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy

The Myth: Some homeowners believe that closing vents in unused rooms will help save energy by forcing the warm air into the areas that are being used. This seems logical—why heat a room you’re not using?

The Truth: Closing vents can actually disrupt the balance of your HVAC system and lead to higher energy consumption. When you close a vent, you’re creating extra pressure in the ducts, which can reduce the efficiency of your system and cause it to work harder. This can even lead to damage in your ductwork over time.

What You Should Do: Instead of closing vents, focus on improving insulation and sealing air leaks in unused rooms to prevent heat loss. A more energy-efficient way to control the temperature in individual rooms is by using zone heating or installing a programmable thermostat.

Pro Tip: If you really need to keep certain rooms cooler, try using a ceiling fan to help circulate the air. Fans can help maintain a comfortable temperature without increasing your energy bills.

Myth #4: Turning the Heat Off When You Leave Saves Money

The Myth: Some people believe that turning off the heat when they leave the house will save money because the system won’t be running while they’re gone. It seems like a good way to cut costs—especially when you’re only gone for a few hours.

The Truth: Turning off the heat entirely can actually cost more in the long run, especially during the winter months. When you return and turn the heat back on, your system has to work harder and use more energy to bring the temperature back up to a comfortable level.

What You Should Do: Instead of turning the heat off completely, set your thermostat to a lower temperature (around 60-65°F) while you’re away. This will maintain a baseline level of warmth and prevent the system from working overtime when you return.

Myth #5: The Bigger the Furnace, the Better

The Myth: When upgrading or installing a new heating system, some homeowners think that bigger is always better. They believe that a larger furnace will heat their home more quickly and efficiently, especially if they have a bigger house.

The Truth: An oversized furnace can actually be less efficient than a properly sized unit. When a furnace is too large for your home, it may heat the space too quickly and then turn off, only to turn back on shortly after. This process is known as short cycling, and it reduces efficiency while increasing wear and tear on the system.

What You Should Do: Work with a professional HVAC technician to properly size your furnace. A well-sized system will run more efficiently, maintain a more consistent temperature, and ultimately save you money.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure whether your furnace is appropriately sized for your home, consider having an energy audit done by an Oasis professional . This will help you identify areas where your system may be over- or under-performing.

Myth #6: You Don’t Need to Maintain Your Heater in Winter

The Myth: Many homeowners believe that once winter hits, all they need to do is turn on the heater and let it run until spring. After all, it’s working fine, right?

The Truth: Neglecting maintenance can lead to problems like reduced efficiency, breakdowns, and even dangerous situations such as carbon monoxide leaks. Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping your system running smoothly and ensuring it operates efficiently throughout the winter.

What You Should Do: Schedule an annual furnace tune-up with a professional HVAC technician. During the inspection, they’ll clean and check components like the blower motor, burners, and thermostat to ensure everything is working properly. This simple step can help extend the lifespan of your system and save you money in the long run.

Pro Tip: If you haven’t already done so this year, make sure to change your air filter before the winter months fully set in. A clean filter helps your system run efficiently and improves indoor air quality.

Conclusion

Winter heating myths can lead to unnecessary costs and inefficiency if you follow them without question. Now that you know the truth behind these common misconceptions, you can make more informed decisions about how to keep your home warm this season—without wasting energy or money.By setting your thermostat correctly, using space heaters wisely, maintaining your HVAC system, and understanding how your furnace operates, you’ll be able to enjoy a cozy, energy-efficient winter. And remember, if you’re ever unsure about your system’s performance or need help with maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact a professional HVAC technician at Oasis. They can ensure your system is working at its best and keep you warm all season long!