With all the misconceptions floating around online these days concerning HVAC systems, it can be challenging discerning what is fact from what is fiction.

Because some homeowners fall prey to inaccurate information about how best to use their heating and cooling systems, we at Five Star Heating & Cooling Group decided to do a little bit of myth busting this week, listing below some of the more common myths:

Myth #1: Raising the Temperature Higher Will Heat the Home Faster

When it’s bone chilling cold outside and our house isn’t as warm as we’d like it, it can be tempting to try to crank the heat up well past your desired temperature level to try speed up the warming process. Unfortunately, this doesn’t do anything but cause the furnace to keep working after your home reaches the desired temperature. Unless a homeowner owns a multi-stage system, a furnace always works at max capacity when turned on — regardless of what temperature level the thermostat is set to. As such, there’s never a legit reason to set the temp higher than what you’re actually wanting.

Myth #2: Newer Houses Are More Energy Efficient Than Older Ones

Even though a home is made with energy efficiency in mind doesn’t mean that certain things won’t become overlooked from time to time. Examples include insulation and air sealing. Most new homes only get minimum insulation values, which can be a lot less than our winter climate calls for and air sealing (which seals the holes that your conditioned air can escape through), is rarely done. Both can have a major impact on the overall energy efficiency and comfort of a home. However without both of them, it makes the age of the home irrelevant as the system will have to work a lot harder to provide the same level of comfort.

Myth #3: Closing Registers & Vents Helps Reduce Heating & Cooling Bills.

Unfortunately, closing air vents and registers does not work the way you’d think.

For one, HVAC systems are set up so that air pressure stays even and balanced throughout the home with all the supply vents being opened. As such, closing vents throws off this balance and simply doesn’t save you money as it adds strain to the system.

As such, experts agree it’s best to keep everything open the way it should be for best results.

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To learn more about home HVAC systems, or to find out what your system is or is not doing properly call Five Star Heating & Cooling Group call (614) 490-7550, or Click Here to schedule an appointment online now.