Keeping your home and family toasty while keeping heating costs down can be a challenge during a typical DFW area winter. Fortunately, there are several creative ways to beat the odds, like sealing up drafty windows and running ceiling fans in reverse.
But there’s more furnace advice “out there” you should absolutely ignore.
Here are the most common myths about home furnaces:
Myth:
Keep vents closed in unoccupied rooms.
Fact:
Closing vents and registers not only blocks effective heat circulation but makes your furnace work harder and less efficiently. The most energy-efficient option is to leave all vents open so that warm air is evenly distributed.
Myth:
Cold feet are normal in winter.
Fact:
If your feet are cold as you stand at your kitchen counter or bathroom vanity – especially if they’re near an exterior wall – it probably means warm air is escaping. Consider having an energy audit performed to pinpoint areas where heat might be escaping and insulate or seal them as necessary.
Myth:
Focus on furnace efficiency.
Fact:
While it’s important that your furnace runs as efficiently as possible to reduce your carbon footprint and keep your heating bills down, there’s more to the story. Such as, seal any cracks or gaps that could be letting cold air in, replace worn weather-stripping around windows and exterior doors, and make sure your attic is properly insulated.
Myth:
Don’t replace your furnace until you have to.
Fact:
You might be tempted to run your furnace into the ground before replacing it, especially if you’ve been diligent about maintaining it. But doing so only causes your system to work harder, consume more energy, and spike your utility costs. Plus, if you wait until it falls apart, you’ll be forced to make a hasty decision on a replacement system – in that instance, you’re not likely to get your best deal or even the right furnace.
Myth:
Regular maintenance isn’t necessary.
Fact:
Annual heating system inspections can uncover hidden problems before they become costly emergency repairs.
How about your furnace…has it been more than a year since you last had it professionally serviced? If so, contact Optimum Air today where you always get first-class service with your satisfaction guaranteed.
