Home heating myths are everywhere on the web. And they couldn’t come at a worse time when some people are struggling to heat their homes. Doing some of the things people say can cost you more money or even break your heating system. So, from leaving the heating on all day to believing wall insulation causes damp, here are some of the most damaging myths.
Note: these are all myths or inaccuracies.
Turning Up the Heat is More Efficient
It is very easy to believe that blasting the heating up to 11 will heat your home in the best way possible. But it isn’t true. A higher setting means more money, and not all boilers and furnaces can even reach the temperature you want. When they struggle, they are also less efficient and won’t last as long as they should. There are many common reasons your furnace isn’t working, and just blasting it all the time to the highest setting is among the most problematic for a boiler.
Home Heating Myths Includes Leaving It On
Leaving the heating on all day just isn’t a good use of the system. First, it will cost you a lot of money and much more than you may be able to afford. Heating is getting more expensive all the time. And even in 2020, 20% of people in the US had trouble paying the bill. So it’s probably much worse now. You should only use the heating when you need it. What’s the point when you are at work? It is best to program the settings to come on 30 minutes before you get home.
A Higher Temp Warms You Faster
A higher temperature does not heat the home faster. This is one of the biggest misunderstandings about how a central heating system works. A higher temperature will heat the home for longer, not faster. This will cost you more money and work your furnace or boiler in an inefficient way. The best way to heat the home with a thermostat is to set the temperature to the one you want and feel the most comfortable with, which is usually between 19°C and 22°C.
Most Heat Escapes Through the Windows
Windows are one way for heat to escape from your home, but it isn’t as much as most people think and is only around 10%. However, there are other ways heat escapes from your home, and there are some ways you can help prevent this. Common heat-savers are as follows:
- Solid wall insulation can help prevent even further heat loss.
- A lot is lost through the loft, and loft insulation is critical for keeping heat.
- A small amount of heat can be saved with flooring insulation.
- Draught-proofing will help keep a lot of heat in and cold out.
- Pipes and radiators are more efficient with tank and pipe insulation.
Without wall insulation, you could face heat loss of up to 35%. Around 10% is also lost through the flooring. And you can help your heating run better with pipe insulation.
Moving the Couch to the Radiator is Better
It is tempting to move the couch or a chair to the heater when it’s chilly. Just like sitting near the fireplace, this is cozy and comfortable. However, it isn’t the best way to use your heating system. Hot air must circulate around the room, and moving furniture near the heat source will prevent this. If possible, there should be nothing around or near your radiators. For example, bookcases, chairs, and curtains. An exposed radiator allows heat to well radiate outwards.
Cavity Wall Insulation Home Heating Myths
There are a few myths about cavity wall insulation. But it has to be said any insulation is good for your home. Insulation keeps heat in and cold out. This can really improve the effectiveness of your home’s heating system. Cavity wall insulation does not cause rising damp. And it is possible to insulate older homes that don’t have wall cavities using other wall methods. Without wall insulation, your home can lose up to 35% of the heat, meaning much higher energy bills.
Smart Meters Will Save Money
Heat efficiency is a great way to save money. And smart meters can help. Smart meters are excellent devices with many uses. However, just having one doesn’t mean you will save money. You pay for how much you use. And this is where smart meters come in handy. A smart meter allows you to see how much gas or electricity you use, how much it costs, and even what times of the day you use the most. With this data, you can change your energy use habits.
Summary
Turning up the heat to the max is one of the biggest home heating myths. Another is that most heat escapes through the windows. And smart meters will not automatically save you money.
