From Edmonton to beyond, the world of heating and cooling is full of unexpected quirks and surprises to learn! Here are some of the most common (yet surprising) HVAC myths and misconceptions. Delve into these insights with Weiss-Johnson, as we explore the truths that can save you time, energy, and money. Read on!
Myth #1: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy
Cool air is brought in from the house through the return vent. It then passes through the filter, through to the furnace, and that warm air is returned to the rest of the house through the supply vent.
But when you close a vent in a room, you actually risk damaging your HVAC system. Heating and cooling systems are designed to balance airflow throughout the entire home, not only sections of it. The heat exchanger is an essential component of furnaces and is responsible for facilitating the heating process. But for it to work properly, a specific volume of air is necessary. Without sufficient cool air, the heat exchanger can overheat.
Myth #2: A New Furnace Solves Drafts and Cold Rooms
A shiny, brand-new furnace can be a beneficial investment for homeowners. Not only can it give your home a powerful surge of warmth during our chilly Canadian winters, but it also increases your home’s value. But if the reason you’re looking to upgrade your furnace is because of a noticeable draft in a corner of a room, the issue might lie elsewhere.
While it’s true that your home shouldn’t be at wildly different temperatures, your furnace likely isn’t the culprit. Instead, you may be having issues with your home’s ductwork. Ducts are essential parts of heating and cooling systems and are responsible for transporting air to different parts of your home. But sometimes, ducts aren’t mapped or appropriately fitted, leading to air leaks.
So, before you start springing for a new furnace, we recommend having a certified HVAC technician inspect your house beforehand. By doing so, you can end up saving yourself time and money!
Myth #3: Space Heaters Are Cheaper Than Using the Furnace
With Edmonton regularly reaching temperatures as low as -30 degrees in the winter, it’s no surprise that space heaters are a popular choice. These heaters are tiny, yet able to produce high amounts of heat, leading to many mistakenly believing they’re more cost-effective than a furnace.
But the truth is, though space heaters consume a high amount of energy, yet can only heat small rooms or spaces. The average space heater uses around 1,500 watts of energy, similar to leaving a hair dryer or vacuum cleaner running for hour s on end. Natural gas furnaces, on the other hand, only consume around 300 to 800 watts, and that’s spread out throughout the entire house! In other words, a well-working gas furnace consumes a fraction of the energy (and cost!).
Myth #4: Bigger Furnaces Heat Better
While larger furnaces with higher BTU ratings may put out more heat, that doesn’t necessarily mean better. In reality, the ideal furnace should match your Edmonton home’s construction and space requirements. A wood-framed home with floor-to-ceiling windows will have different heating needs from an older brick veneer constructed bungalow.
So, how do you choose the proper-sized furnace for your home?
While you can find out a rough estimate, there’s a lot of industry knowledge that goes into properly sizing your home’s heating needs. By teaming up with an HVAC professional, you’ll have peace of mind that your home will be outfitted with the best furnace solution possible.
Trusted by Edmonton Homeowners for Generations
Since 1977, Weiss-Johnson has been proudly serving Edmonton. Get in touch with us today to experience unparalleled HVAC support. From the Weiss-Johnson family to yours, we can’t wait to deliver the heating and cooling care your home deserves.
