With the weather getting colder, many homeowners have started their annual heating system rituals. These rituals include the following: tuning up the furnace, checking the carbon monoxide detectors, and looking for ways to maximize energy savings.

While there are a vast number of ways in which to winterize one’s home, it’s important to note that not every heating system hack you read is actually a great way to maximize your savings on your utility.

In fact, to help avoid some of the biggest HVAC system myths this season, here are some of the most common ones debunked:

1. Hiking up the thermostat will make it warm faster
   Turning on your heater full blast to help make it warmer faster might seem like a great idea, but in reality, your HVAC system doesn’t work that way. Your furnace turns on and works its way to your desired thermostat setting at the same speed, whether the setting is high or low. In fact, this might actually be one of the worst ways to improve utility savings because you’ll be paying for the additional heat you don’t want by cranking the thermostat up to a setting too high for your liking.
2. Using a space heater will help save money
   Electric space heaters can actually cost you more money in the long run. Space heaters run on electricity, therefore increasing your electric bill, and are also less efficient for heating your entire home. Space heaters are good for heating a single room, but furnaces can heat the whole house for less. This is especially true of a furnace installation with an AFUE rating anywhere between 90 to 95%, which is considered high-efficiency.
3. Wood-burning fireplaces can help save money
   Wood-burning fireplaces are wonderfully romantic and a great way to end a hard day at work. However, when it comes to energy efficiency and providing a good source of home heating, a wood-burning fireplace won’t do you as much good as a standard furnace. Like space heaters, fireplaces traditionally heat only one room and can actually send all of your heat through the chimney rather than your home.

It’s essential to winterize your home in order to stay cozy and warm during the colder months.

To ensure your furnace is ready to roll for the wintry season ahead, call the experts at Comfort Master Heating and Air.