During the winter, heating the home can be costly. It is not uncommon for individuals to search the internet looking for ways to cut costs and avoid furnace repair in San Jose, CA. But they often get inaccurate information. Some of the tips they find do little or nothing to help lower energy bills. Some tips are actually counterproductive and end up costing homeowners more money. So here are just a few of the home heating myths homeowners need to be aware of:
Myth: It is Cheaper to Run Space Heaters than the Furnace
Some homeowners switch off their furnace in favor of running space heaters in select rooms. After all, heating less square footage should save money, right? This may seem like a good option, but heating the home with space heaters can be risky. Using electricity to heat the home can typically cost three to five times more than it costs to heat the same area with natural gas. It is also a common fire hazard.
Myth: Energy Efficient Windows Provide Significant Savings
Modern windows with energy efficient technology will help prevent unwanted heat losses. But upgrading with replacement windows is costly and savings are not instantaneous. It can take a couple decades to finally see a return on your investment.
Myth: Save Money by Sealing Ducts with Duct Tape
Contrary to popular belief, traditional duct tape is not a great tool to permanently seal ducts. Duct tape will typically loosen and eventually fall off, making it only a temporary solution. Higher quality products like mastic sealant and aluminum foil tape are far better options for long-lasting results. And you can always call an HVAC professional to come out and seal your ducts for you. This will cut back on the energy losses caused by leaks.
Myth: Ceiling Fans are Only for Summertime
Yes, ceiling fans are a great way to cool the home and supplement air conditioning in the summer. That doesn’t make them obsolete in winter. Spinning the fan clockwise on low will help force warm air collecting at the ceiling back down. This makes the home feel warmer without increasing the output from the furnace.
Myth: Programmable Thermostats Save Energy
A programmable thermostat can lower energy bills as long as they are programmed correctly. Unfortunately, most homeowners do not take the time to schedule their heating and cooling, so they do not reach optimal efficiency for their furnace.
Myth: Annual Tune-Ups are Not Essential
Many homeowners put off annual maintenance in an effort to save money. In truth, it is more affordable to pay the small service fee annually than it is to pay for a major breakdown. Regular maintenance gives professionals technicians the chance to clean up the system and address problems before they become something significant. Regular maintenance appointments are essential.
Don’t fall for any of these home heating myths. Contact Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide routine service and furnace repair in San Jose, CA. Our experts can also walk you through the do’s and don’ts of home heating so you can get optimal performance. at (669) 219-8957 to schedule a service appointment. Or visit us at 1045 N 10th St San Jose, CA 95112.
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