Whether you label them myths or misconceptions, these ideas can often be blended into what we might call “mythconceptions.”
In response to the overwhelming enthusiasm for our recent blog post, “Myths About Your Home Heating System Debunked,” we’ve decided to provide a sequel. While much of our focus remains on heating due to the time of year, rest assured, we’ll delve into air conditioning myths shortly.
But for now, if you’ve found yourself holding any of these “mythconceptions” about your heating and air conditioning system, you’re not alone. Each carries a hint of logic:
Myth: The higher you set your thermostat, the quicker your home will warm up.
Reality: Setting your furnace to a higher temperature, like 85 degrees, won’t speed up the warming process. Instead, it simply means the furnace will run longer until it reaches the higher temperature.
Smart reality: Rather than risking unnecessary energy consumption and frequent thermostat adjustments, allow your home to gradually warm up to your desired temperature. If returning to a chilly home after a weekend away, opt for a sweater or blanket and let the heating system do its job gradually.
Myth: Closing vents and registers saves on heating bills by redirecting warm air only to occupied areas.
Reality: Forced-air heating systems are designed to maintain pressure balance throughout the home. Closing vents disrupts this balance, causing pressure imbalances and potentially leading to increased energy consumption and system strain.
Smart reality: While closing a vent or two may not cause immediate damage, it’s advisable to consult professionals for personalized recommendations to prevent long-term issues.
Myth: Duct tape is suitable for sealing leaky ducts.
Reality: Despite its versatile applications, duct tape deteriorates over time due to exposure to dirt, dust, and temperature fluctuations, making it ineffective for duct sealing.
Smart reality: Opt for mastic tape or UL-approved tapes designed for duct sealing, as they offer superior adhesion and insulation properties compared to duct tape.