When it comes to maintaining your furnace, there’s no shortage of advice available. However, not all of it is accurate, and some prevalent myths can lead to unnecessary expenses, inefficient heating, and even safety hazards. In this post, Bartlett Heating & Air Conditioning dispels five common misconceptions about furnaces so you can make informed decisions about your unit’s maintenance and operation.
1. Restoring Old Furnaces Is Cost-Effective
One common myth is that restoring an old furnace can save money. While the idea of giving an old appliance a new lease on life might seem appealing and economical, furnaces are a different story. Restoring an old furnace doesn’t bring it up to the current efficiency standards of new models. Furnaces have evolved significantly in terms of energy efficiency, and an old model, no matter how well-restored, will not perform as efficiently as a new one. Moreover, a new furnace comes with a warranty, offering peace of mind that you won’t get with an older, restored unit.
2. High-Efficiency Furnaces Guarantee Energy Savings
Another myth is that simply upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace guarantees significant energy savings. While it’s true that a furnace with a higher annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating is designed to be more efficient, its actual performance depends greatly on proper installation and sizing. An improperly sized or installed high-efficiency furnace won’t deliver the expected energy savings and might even increase your heating costs.
3. Bigger Is Better
The idea that a larger furnace will better heat your home is incorrect. In fact, it can lead to significant issues in the long run. An oversized furnace will frequently cycle on and off, a process known as short-cycling. This means the system won’t properly heat your home and its components will be more susceptible to wear and tear. The key to optimal heating efficiency and comfort is a correctly sized furnace tailored to the specific needs of your residence.
4. Furnaces Don’t Need Regular Maintenance If They’re Running
Perhaps one of the most dangerous myths is the belief that furnaces that seem to be running fine don’t need maintenance. But much like an AC clean and check, regular furnace maintenance ensures the system is running optimally and continues to do so. Annual maintenance checks can preclude energy efficiency losses and malfunctions due to wear and tear and extend the lifespan of the unit. Neglecting maintenance can lead to larger, more costly repairs down the road and potentially void your warranty.
5. Furnace Maintenance Is Optional for Safe Operation
Skipping furnace maintenance is mistakenly seen by some as an acceptable risk. This is not only false but dangerous. Regular maintenance identifies and mitigates risks like carbon monoxide leaks, gas leaks, and fire hazards. It’s essential for the safety of your household, helping to prevent potentially fatal accidents. It also ensures your furnace operates efficiently, saving you from high energy bills and unexpected repairs.
Bartlett Heating & Air Conditioning offers professional furnace maintenance and advice tailored to your home’s needs. We also have expertise in air conditioning repair. Call us at (630) 372-7640 or complete our online form to schedule an appointment. We serve clients in Bartlett and West Chicago.
