It’s easy to take your home’s HVAC system for granted, especially when it’s working as it should. There’s nothing more satisfying than cranking up the thermostat on a chilly winter night and being rewarded with a cozier room within minutes. But because your heating system is so important —and so easily overlooked — you may be uncertain what you need to do to keep it in good working order. Although there is no shortage of good advice about proper furnace maintenance, there also are a number of misconceptions that can do more harm than good if you put them into practice.
At first glance, many of these myths seem to be common sense, which is what makes them so believable. For example, many homeowners think that shutting off the furnace when you leave the house will save money. That doesn’t take into consideration that warming a cold house puts a greater strain on a heating system than maintaining a cooler temperature for the entire day. It’s actually better to turn your thermostat down a few degrees when you’ll be out for an extended period rather than turning off the furnace.
Another common misconception that can get homeowners into trouble is neglecting regular furnace tune-ups. Many property owners don’t think of getting their equipment serviced as long as it’s working properly. However, bringing in professional technicians to perform seasonal checkups and regular maintenance is important. They can identify worn-out components and potential performance issues before they can cause lasting damage to the system or fail when you need them most. Without this attention, it’s only a matter of time before you’re hit with breakdowns and costly repairs.
Some people believe that bigger always equals better when it comes to furnaces, and buy the most powerful unit regardless of how much space they actually need to heat. Unfortunately for them, this probably means the furnace will draw too much energy and experience more wear and tear than a system that is appropriately sized. Buying equipment that delivers the right amount of heat for your existing space will help it remain in good working condition for as long as possible.
It’s important not to fall for any of these myths when purchasing or maintaining
your heating system. What might seem like a reasonable suggestion can turn out to be bad advice that will cost you money and headaches over the long run? To see more of these common myths debunked, take a look at the accompanying infographic.
Guest Author Bio: Amanda Kinsella is Marketing Director at Logan A/C and Heat Services for the Dayton, Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio markets. Throughout her 10-plus-year career at the company, she has worn many hats and taken on multiple roles.
