Debunking 7 Common Home Heating Myths

Are you struggling with heating issues like odd noises or burning smells? Contact Professional Services at 262-218-2636 now!

You may think you know your heating unit, but a lot of homeowners have misconceptions about how their furnace works. Heating myths about home HVAC systems abound, from misinformation about when to turn them on to how you can reduce utility costs.

The technicians at Professional Services want homeowners to have a better understanding of how their heating units work. Our dependable team is committed to educating clients on home heating and offering a wide range of top-quality services. If you're looking for "24-hour heating repair near me," you can count on our contractors to get the job done.

In this guide, we're debunking seven common myths about home heating systems.

7 Common Myths About Home Heating Systems

Do you know how your furnace works or how to reduce utility costs? Most homeowners don't know everything about their furnace, and that's okay! The following are seven common myths people have about their heaters:

#1: Electric Heaters Are Cheaper Than Radiators

Some homeowners believe that using space heaters is cheaper than using central heating. The reality is that space heaters use a lot of electricity, which isn't saving you any money. Depending on how many electric heaters you use, this can cost much more than just using your radiators.

#2: The Colder It Is Outside, the More You Should Turn Your Heat Up

Another misconception about home heating is that when it's really cold out, you should turn your heat up as high as possible. Doing this only costs you more money in the long run.

The thermostat works to maintain the temperature within your home. No matter how cold it is outside, turning the heat up more doesn't make your house any warmer.

#3: Big Boilers Work Better Than Smaller Ones

One of the biggest central heating myths is that bigger boilers work better than small ones. Many homeowners believe that big boilers heat the home quicker and cost less when doing so. In reality, bigger boilers produce a higher output that's much more expensive than a smaller unit.

#4: Pets Require Warm Temperatures Throughout the House

Your furry friends are an important part of your family, so keeping them comfortable is definitely a top priority. With that said, you don't have to turn the heat up excessively high for your pets to be comfortable.

Dogs and cats have a built-in winter coat, keeping them warmer than their human counterparts. In fact, our pets have higher internal temperatures than we do. So, there's no need to have the heat running very high when you have pets in the home.

#5: Painting Your Radiators Black Reduces Energy Costs

It sounds odd, but many homeowners have heard the myth that painting your radiators black reduces energy costs. This heating myth comes from the idea that black transfers heat, but this is also a misconception.

Before grabbing that can of paint, consider other options for keeping heat inside your home, like investing in a high-efficiency furnace. Another effective thing you can do is improve your home's insulation. Proper insulation traps heat within the house, keeping it much warmer throughout the winter.

#6: Turning on the Fireplace Saves You Money

Many homeowners feel that using their fireplace and furnace together is cheaper than using central heat alone. In actuality, this costs you more money in the long run. Fires require a lot of oxygen, which they take from your indoor air.

When your furnace already heated the indoor air, you're just removing warm air from your home. This causes your furnace to work harder, trying to replace the warm air your fireplace removed.

#7: Setting the Thermostat Higher Makes the Heat Kick In Quicker

Another common misconception is that if you set your thermostat as high as possible, the house will get warm much quicker. The truth is that no matter how high you set the thermostat, it doesn't make the house warmer any sooner. It simply causes your furnace to strain harder, costing you more money and increasing the risk of issues within your heating unit.

Do You Need a New Heating Unit? Call Professional Services Today

Are you in need of a new furnace or HVAC repairs? The technicians at Professional Services in Southeastern Wisconsin have you covered. We offer a wide selection of HVAC services, including furnace installation and repair. 

Find out more about home heating myths or schedule an appointment by calling us at 262-218-2636 now.