During the winter season, it only makes sense for homeowners to try to optimize their home’s HVAC system to lower their heating bills. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of false information out there that can throw a wrench into your plans. This article will debunk some of the most common HVAC myths, helping you make informed decisions to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient all winter long.
Turning Up Your Thermostat Heats Your Home Faster
A common misconception is that turning up your thermostat will heat your home more quickly. In reality, your heating system has a set capacity for warming your home, regardless of how high you set the thermostat.
Whether you increase the temperature by 5° or 20°, your system will still operate at the same rate, gradually raising the temperature. In fact, rapidly adjusting the thermostat can place unnecessary strain on your system, leading to higher heating bills and excessive wear over time.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, maintaining an indoor temperature of 68° during the winter months while you’re awake and at home is ideal for balancing comfort and energy efficiency. When you’re sleeping or away, you can reduce the thermostat by 10° to 15° to save on heating costs without sacrificing comfort.
Closing Vents Saves Energy
It might seem logical to close off supply vents in unused rooms to save energy, but this myth can reduce the overall efficiency of your heating system. The idea behind this approach is that if you close vents in rooms you don’t use, your heating system will only need to focus on warming the rooms you do. However, closing vents disrupts the air pressure balance within your home’s ductwork, which can lead to several issues.
When some vents are closed, the pressure inside your ducts rises, forcing your heating system to work harder to push air through the open vents. Additionally, closing vents in one part of the house can affect airflow in other areas, causing hot and cold spots.
If you have a furnace, it’s important to note that modern systems are designed to heat your entire home uniformly. As a result, closing some vents could restrict proper airflow and cause your furnace to overheat. Your system’s safety features will shut it down if it gets dangerously hot. However, if your furnace frequently shuts down due to overheating, it could result in long-term damage, like a cracked heat exchanger.
Ceiling Fans are Only for Summer
Most homeowners know the benefits of using ceiling fans during the summer to create a cool breeze, reducing how often they need to run their air conditioning. However, many don’t realize that ceiling fans can be just as beneficial during the winter, helping lower energy bills and maintain comfort.
During the colder months, warm air rises and accumulates near the ceiling. By reversing the direction of your ceiling fan, you can push that trapped warm air back down into your living spaces, making your home feel more comfortable without cranking up your thermostat.
Don’t turn the ceiling fan to full blast, though. Running it too fast could create a draft, making you feel cooler instead of warmer. Instead, set your fan to spin slowly in a clockwise direction. This gentle circulation of air helps redistribute the warmth without creating a wind-chill effect.
Bigger Furnaces Provide Better Heat
The mentality that bigger is always better doesn’t hold water for your home’s heating system. There’s no doubt that getting a system that’s too small simply isn’t going to keep your home warm enough. However, an oversized furnace will lead to higher energy bills and increased wear and tear on your system.
When the furnace is oversized for your home, it heats the space too quickly and cycles off before running long enough to heat all of your living spaces evenly. This can create temperature fluctuations in your home and reduce overall comfort.
Additionally, short cycling puts extra strain on the system, potentially leading to premature failure. It’s essential to have a furnace that’s appropriately sized for your home because it will run more efficiently, providing adequate heat without the excessive costs associated with larger units.
It’s worth consulting with a professional HVAC technician when replacing your furnace. They can perform a load calculation to determine the right size for your specific needs.
Heat Pumps Cost More to Run in Frigid Weather
Historically, heat pumps were known for struggling in cold weather, especially when temperatures approach freezing. Traditional heat pump systems relied on an internal heating element to supplement heating when outdoor temperatures became too low, but this method was inefficient and could lead to higher energy bills.
However, advancements in heat pump technology have led to models that are designed to operate efficiently even in freezing weather. These modern systems use advanced refrigerants and improved compressors to extract heat from the air, even when the outdoor temperatures dip below 32°. This means they can continue to provide reliable heating without resorting to inefficient backup heating methods. When selecting a heat pump for your home, it’s essential to choose a model that can handle the occasional cold snaps in Spring, TX.
Close Attic Vents in Winter
It is tempting to want to close the vents in your attic during the winter season to retain more heat in your home. However, closing vents doesn’t actually have a significant impact on the temperature in your living space.
The insulation in your attic’s floor is the barrier between the cold air outside and the hot air in your home. The vents should remain open during winter to allow your attic air to be the same temperature as the outside air. This prevents mold and mildew growth in your attic, which can happen when moisture is trapped due to improper ventilation.
While closing vents does not help with maintaining the temperature in your living space, there are more effective ways to improve energy efficiency in your home. One of the most practical steps you can take is to seal any gaps between your home and the attic. These gaps, often found around the attic hatch, pipes, or wiring, can lead to warm air escaping, causing your heating system to work harder. Sealing these areas with weatherstripping, caulk, or foam insulation can significantly reduce heat loss.
Your Furnace Filter Only Needs to be Changed Once a Year
While furnace maintenance typically only needs to be done annually, changing the filter is an essential part of regular homeowner upkeep. It’s a good idea to check your HVAC filter each month. Simply hold it up to a light. If you can’t see through it, the filter is too dirty and should be replaced. Regularly changing the filter ensures optimal airflow and system efficiency.
Contact Your Local Professionals
At ASAP HVAC, we have been serving the residents of Spring, TX and the surrounding areas for years. We install and repair heating systems. We also offer maintenance plans to ensure your furnace or heat pump runs efficiently to reduce heating costs. We also offer indoor air quality services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced technicians.
