On the hunt for some heating advice and energy-saving tips? Here are four heating myths put to the test by the energy experts at John A. Kinkaid Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
Myth 1: Leaving the heat on low all day is the most efficient way to save money.
Fact: You will save more money and energy by only turning the heat on when you need it. This strategy works best if you use a timer, as your thermostat is designed to turn the heat on and off to keep your home at the temperature at which you set it.
Myth 2: Turning the heat on and off creates condensation that collects in the walls and causes my house to leak heat more quickly, costing me more money.
Fact: This is partially true, but your home will always leak a certain amount of heat, so if you leave the heat on all day, you will be leaking heat – and money – all day. Using a timer, you can set the heat to come on in time to have the house warm when you get home. If you use more blankets at night, you can afford to turn the heat down when you are sleeping. The minimal rise in heat loss due to condensation is not enough to compete with the cumulated heat loss from leaving the heat on all day.
Myth 3: I have to leave the heat on while I’m gone to keep my dog or cat comfortable.
Fact: Most pets are far hardier than we give them credit for. Most of them have fur coats, after all! If you’re worried about Fluffy getting chilly, give him a breed-appropriate jacket and a nice warm bed to sleep in. You don’t have to turn the heat off completely, but you can at least knock the temperature down.
Myth 4: Putting cling film on my windows will help slow the heat loss in my home.
Fact: This one actually does work! Well, to a point. You are better off investing in double-glazed windows as a long-term solution, but until you get them installed, cling film is a suitable alternative. This technique traps a thin layer of air which helps insulate and prevent excess heat loss. However, cling film and double-glazing will not compensate for drafts around windows and doors, so you had better get those fixed if you want to take full advantage of this heat-saving measure.
Of course giving your HVAC system an annual tune-up with John A. Kinkaid Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc is another great way to ensure you stay warm and save money this winter! Contact us in the Willow Grove area at 215-657-1262 and in the Ambler area at 215-646-5577. Or contact us online to request an appointment today!