6 Common Furnace Myths: Debunked and Explained
Stay warm and cozy while separating fact from fiction when it comes to taking care of your furnace and saving energy.
By Anne Fonda
Furnaces have been a top choice for heating homes for more than 100 years. Unfortunately, during that time, some “conventional wisdom” myths have cropped up that can do more harm than good if you believe them.
We’ll debunk these furnace myths one by one, and tell you the truth. Don’t let misinformation cost you money in terms of higher energy bills and furnace repairs.
Myth #1: Closing air vents and registers in unused rooms saves energy
We’re often asked, “Can closing vents in unused rooms save energy and improve furnace efficiency?” The definitive answer is no. Covering return air vents and closing registers in unused rooms disrupts the airflow from your oil or gas furnace.
Your HVAC system is designed to evenly distribute heated (or cooled) air throughout your home. Closing vents and registers can cause your furnace to work harder and less efficiently. It can also disrupt the air pressure in the ductwork, potentially causing leaky ducts.
Instead of closing vents, open curtains or blinds during the day to let the sunshine in. Close them at night to add an insulating factor.
Myth #2: Turning up the thermostat will heat the home faster
We also hear “Is it true that turning up the thermostat higher will heat the home faster?” Again, no. This is a myth. Cranking the thermostat will not heat your home any faster. Hot air will be distributed at the same rate, regardless of how high you set the temperature.
In addition to not heating the home any faster, turning up the temperature can waste energy and cause increased wear and tear. This also means that lowering the thermostat to an extreme won’t cause your HVAC system to cool any faster, either.
If you don’t already have one, consider getting a programmable or smart thermostat for optimal temperature control.
Myth #3: A smart thermostat is a high-tech waste of money
If you purchase one and then treat it like a standard, non-programmable thermostat, yes, you’ve wasted your money. However, if you buy a smart thermostat and take advantage of all of the features, it can save you money on your energy bills and help you keep up with system maintenance.
A smart thermostat is a programmable thermostat with many more features. You can set a schedule for heating (and cooling). Reduce or raise the temperature while you are away at work or on vacation. Set the schedule to bump the temperature to your preferred comfort setting an hour before you come home. Set a different temperature for when you’re sleeping.
With a smart thermostat, you can do all of this from the palm of your hand via the American Standard Home App. Left for the airport but forgot to set the vacation schedule? No problem. Need to adjust the temperature for your visiting grandmother? Again, no problem.
Do you have trouble remembering to change the filter? Your thermostat can remind you.
By using the programming features and following maintenance reminders, you can save energy and money on your utility bills. You can also help the health of your HVAC system.
Dealer access
In addition, if you opt-in to American Standard Diagnostics, your dealer will receive data from your smart thermostat that tells them how the system is functioning. They will get alerts for routine maintenance or system malfunctions.
If you allow one-time dealer remote access, they may be able to fix the problem remotely. Otherwise, they will schedule a service call.
Myth #4: Space heaters are more efficient
This is incorrect. For heating your home, a properly functioning central heating system with a furnace is more efficient than using space heaters. Some space heaters can use a lot of energy to heat a very small space. If you need supplemental heat in one room such as a home office, you can use one.
But a better idea is to get to the root cause of your home's uneven temperatures. Think about the last time you had professional furnace maintenance or duct cleaning performed. Talk with an HVAC professional about some cost-effective ways to eliminate cold spots.
Myth #5: Regular furnace maintenance isn’t necessary
Just because your furnace is working well doesn’t mean it doesn’t need some TLC. Much like you take your car in for a regular oil change or tire rotation, it’s important to perform regular furnace maintenance.
As a homeowner, this means changing the furnace filter regularly - generally every 30-90 days depending on the type of filter and whether you have pets. Clogged HVAC air filters can make your system work harder and can even lead to costly repairs.
Yearly maintenance
You should also schedule an annual inspection and furnace tune-up. Regular maintenance can optimize system performance and catch little problems before they become big ones.
Some of the things an HVAC technician may do during this yearly maintenance include:
- Furnace inspection
- Furnace cleaning (cleaning components such as the heat exchanger, blower motor, fan, etc.)
- Testing parts such as the furnace ignitor or furnace limit switch
- Making minor repairs
If you sign up for an HVAC maintenance program, the dealer will contact you to schedule appointments. Also, be aware that some plans can include a discount on repairs or parts.
Myth #6: A high-efficiency furnace will solve all my heating problems
Wrong again. While a high-efficiency furnace can certainly help you save money on heating costs, you also need to look at the big picture. To prevent heat loss, you should:
- Consider energy-efficient replacement windows
- Seal doors and windows
- Check insulation and add insulation as needed
- Seal leaky ducts
- Keep up with furnace maintenance
A new high-efficiency furnace can keep your home cozy, but you will lose some of the benefits if heat is escaping or cold air is seeping in. Keep in mind that there are federal home energy tax credits that can help you make your home more energy-efficient. This can include getting a home energy audit, replacing doors and windows, improving insulation, and buying a new HVAC system.
Schedule furnace maintenance, repair, or replacement
Fall is a great time to schedule yearly furnace maintenance. A furnace tuneup can help ensure your furnace is ready for the heating season. An HVAC technician can usually make minor repairs during the maintenance call. Contact your local American Standard dealer to get on the schedule.
And if you’re considering furnace replacement, browse American Standard furnaces and schedule a consultation.
Anne Fonda
Content Writer, Trane Technologies
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by John Kim, Senior Product Manager, Furnaces
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