There are a lot of misconceptions about HVAC maintenance and installation, and furnaces are no exception. You’ve likely heard a few common ideas surrounding home heating systems, from how they should be installed to how to keep the utility bills low—but are they accurate?
Below, we’ll cover a few common myths about furnaces you should avoid so you can enjoy optimal heating in your home! Keep reading to learn why you can trust our team at Weiss-Johnson for expert maintenance and furnace repair in Edmonton.
Myth: You Need a Large Furnace
If you start browsing online forums, you’ll find a few homeowners saying to install the largest furnace you can find, because it will heat faster, work better, and save you money by not making a smaller furnace work overtime to heat your home. It’s a very common misconception that the larger the furnace, the better.
Truth: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
The reality? The largest furnace on the market can be just as bad as a furnace that’s too small. A furnace that’s too small has to work a lot harder to heat your home, using up a lot of energy and causing advanced wear in the process. However, a furnace that’s too big will begin to short-cycle and never complete a full heating cycle. It won’t stay on long enough to adequately heat your home, and the constant on/off cycling will drive up your heating bill.
If you’re not sure what furnace size you need for your home, our experts at Weiss-Johnson can help you choose a model that fits your home and heating needs!
Myth: Closing Your Vents Will Save Energy
Homeowners are always looking for ways to save on their energy bills. A common practice is to close off heating vents in rooms that aren’t used every day. The idea is that this will help the HVAC system distribute heat more evenly to the rooms that actually need it.
Truth: Closed Vents Can Cause Pressure Imbalances
The facts: Closing vents can actually waste energy and cost you more money. Furnaces are designed to distribute hot air evenly throughout a home, so when vents or registers are closed, this can create a pressure imbalance that forces your furnace to work harder to deliver heat to open vents.
Myth: Turning Up the Thermostat Will Heat Your Home Quicker
Cold, snowy, and rainy days can make you feel cold all over, which is why a nice, warm house feels so nice to come home to. If you come home and the house hasn’t warmed up enough, turning up the thermostat will make it heat faster, right?
Truth: Slow and Steady Heating Wins the Race
The thermostat doesn’t move the hot air any faster when it’s set higher. A common problem with this idea is that homeowners change their thermostat settings, forget about it, and end up toasting in their homes over the following days. When it comes to hot air distribution, slow and steady wins the race.
Myth: New Furnaces Don’t Need Maintenance
A brand-new furnace installed by HVAC experts will run at high efficiency for a long time! Since it’s so new, it probably doesn’t need too much maintenance or check-ups, right? Wrong.
Truth: Regular Furnace Maintenance Extends Its Lifespan
Regular furnace maintenance is essential for all units, regardless of their age. In fact, scheduling maintenance for your new unit right off the bat is the best way to extend its lifespan. If you don’t service your furnace, this can lead to increased wear and breakdowns.
If you need to schedule furnace maintenance, you can rely on our expert technicians at Weiss-Johnson for quality service.
Maintain an Efficient Heating System with Weiss-Johnson
Need HVAC advice that you can count on? Partner with our technicians at Weiss-Johnson for expert maintenance and furnace repair in Edmonton!
For nearly 50 years, we have been the go-to HVAC service provider for YEG homeowners, and we’re here to help you get the most out of your furnace. Whether your unit is brand new or has a few years under its (fan) belt, our technicians can identify any issues and provide the optimal solution for maintenance or repair.
Contact us today to book a visit with our team!
