You’d be surprised how many home heating myths get mixed in with real, practical advice. Fortunately, Martens Plumbing & Heating is here to help—in this blog, we’re debunking five common myths that may seem logical at first but can actually hurt both your system and your wallet.
Myth #1: Turning Off My Furnace While I’m Gone Saves Money
Think about how hard your furnace would have to work to catch up to normal temps after being off all day. That’s a lot of unnecessary strain on a system designed to maintain even temperatures. Plus, in Wisconsin, leaving your furnace off while you’re not at home can cause your pipes to freeze or even burst.
If you want to save money on heating while you’re away, consider installing a Wi-Fi thermostat. These devices can help you set temperature schedules—automatically decreasing temps while you’re away and bringing them back up on your way home.
Myth #2: Cranking up the Thermostat Will Heat My Home Faster
Furnaces will cycle on until they reach the temperature set in the thermostat, so a higher temperature setting just means your furnace will run longer. We recommend keeping your thermostat at a consistent setting for efficiency’s sake. If you need warmth fast, throw on a sweatshirt.
Myth #3: Closing Vents Will Help Me Save on Energy
While it’s tempting to want to heat only certain areas of your home, closing vents actually does you no favors. It will restrict airflow, putting added pressure on your furnace as it tries to overcome the blockage. You’ll end up wasting energy and, with extra stress, your furnace may end up breaking down.
Myth #4: Getting a Bigger Furnace Will Improve Efficiency
Bigger is not better when it comes to furnace size. Sure, it will keep your home warm even on the coldest of Wisconsin nights, but you’ll be paying for it—an oversized furnace will cycle infrequently, which can cause you to waste energy and run your bills sky-high. When choosing a furnace size, you only need one that fits your ductwork size and flow. If you’re unsure what’s best for your house, contact Martens for a professional evaluation.
Myth #5: My Furnace Is Working, so I Can Skip Annual Maintenance
So, your furnace appears to be working normally—that’s great! Or is it? Heating bills make up a good portion of your energy costs, so it’s important your unit is running as efficiently as possible. Annual maintenance from a qualified technician entails a multi-point inspection and cleaning to not only ensure optimal efficiency but to also identify potential problems before they occur. Even small adjustments can translate to savings every month. And if your furnace were to ever break down while under warranty, you’d need to provide proof of annual maintenance for certain repairs to be covered.
Fact: Martens Plumbing Can Help You Stay Comfortable
Rely on Martens Plumbing & Heating to debunk home heating myths and to service your HVAC needs. From Bryant® installations to maintenance and so much more in Mukwonago, call 262-363-7146.
