Owning a home means having to know the basics for a lot of different systems that keep our home comfortable and safe. With colder weather upon us, we’re debunking common myths so you can take the right steps to protect the investment in your home.
Myth 1: Closing vents in unused rooms will save energy
Fact: Although it might seem straightforward to close vents in rooms you want to keep cooler to save energy, this can result in the opposite. Furnaces are designed to maintain even heat distribution throughout your home. When you close a vent, you disrupt the airflow balance and make the system work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Besides overworking of the system, closing vents can lead to a range of other issues, including changes in ductwork pressure that can cause leaks, damage to heat exchangers, and a reduced lifespan for both the system and the ductwork. Keep vents open and only slightly close them in rooms where you prefer a lower temperature.
Myth 2: Furnace filters only need replacement once a year
Fact: Filter replacement varies depending on the type of filter and usage. Every 1 to 3 months is recommended to avoid dirty furnace filters becoming clogged and leading to an overworking system and poor air quality.
Myth 3: Cold floors are normal during fall and winter
Fact: A common misconception is that cold floors are normal during colder seasons. In reality, cold floors could be a signal that the heat your furnace generates is escaping through the floors and windows due to a poorly insulated home. Make sure your doors and windows are properly sealed so your furnace can efficiently heat your home.
Myth 4: Use your old home furnace as long as you can
Fact: An old furnace reaching the end of its life cycle may struggle to heat your home properly and might require constant repairs that only patch up the problem temporarily. Not only that, but older gas and oil furnaces can pose a higher risk of gas leaks, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or present a fire hazard. Instead, consider replacing your old furnace to protect your home and save money in the long run. Modern models will maintain your home’s comfort while being more energy efficient.
Myth 5: A newly installed furnace does not require maintenance until a problem arises
Fact: A new furnace requires seasonal maintenance. We recommend Spring and Fall as a general rule of thumb to ensure it operates optimally. In fact, many furnace manufacturers require professional annual furnace maintenance to uphold their warranty agreements. Neglecting maintenance can result in costly breakdowns down the road, higher energy costs, and even potential health hazards such as carbon monoxide exposure due to a broken heat exchanger.
Myth 6: All furnace problems can be fixed with DIY solutions
Fact: While some basic maintenance tasks and troubleshooting can be done by homeowners, most furnace issues require professional inspection and repair to avoid damaging your system and exposure to safety risks.
Schedule Your Furnace Maintenance for Winter
With the cold season knocking on our doors, take the necessary steps to keep your family warm by scheduling our Safety.Efficiency.Preventative. Maintenance. Don’t wait until problems arise and leave you and your home in the cold. To ensure your system performs at its best for the upcoming months, our certified technicians will conduct a comprehensive inspection of your HVAC system.
We're committed to maintaining consistent pricing for our winter maintenance service, focusing on delivering the best value to our community. Book your Safety.Efficiency.Preventative. Maintenance starting at $89.99 for most residential homes and $149.99 - $249.99 for light commercial package units. Potential savings may apply when we service more than two units at the same location. Ask for more information.
DIY Tips to Properly Winterize your A/C
The best time to prepare your A/C unit for winter is early fall after a nice, sunny day when your outdoor air conditioner has completely dried out. Read our quick tips for getting your system ready for winter.