When it comes to ensuring your home is warm and comfortable, the importance of your furnace cannot be overstated, particularly given our unusually long winters here in Ontario. But between the information floating around online and from friends or neighbours, it’s easy to be taken in by furnace myths that could result in higher monthly energy bills, unnecessary repairs, or even less comfort.
We hear these myths all the time here at Aire One Keswick. So let’s clear them up! Here are some of the most common myths about furnaces that could be costing you money — and what you should do instead.
Myth #1: “Cranking the thermostat higher heats your home faster.
Truth: can result in wasted energy. Your furnace warms at the same rate regardless of the temperature setting. Cranking the thermostat way up will make your furnace run longer — not faster — and
Do this instead:
Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature, and consider investing in a smart or programmable model for greater efficiency.
Myth #2: Furnace maintenance isn’t necessary unless something breaks.
Reality: Furnace tune-ups are like car oil changes — skip the regular maintenance, and you pay for it big time later. Neglect equals lower performance, failure, and a shorter lifespan for your furnace.
Do this instead:
Book a yearly furnace check-up with Aire One Keswick to detect problems early and keep your heating system running safely and soundly.
Myth #3: “Closing vents in unused rooms saves energy.
Fact: Your furnace heats your home evenly. Close off too many vents, and airflow is disrupted, duct pressure rises, your furnace works harder — and could wear down sooner — and you end up with higher heating bills.
Do this instead:
Keep vents open and unblocked. If specific rooms are always too warm or too cool, you might be a candidate for duct balancing or zoning.
Myth #4: “You only need to change your filter once a year
Reality: One of the most significant causes of inefficiency is a dirty filter. It impedes airflow, making the furnace work harder, and, in some cases, can shut down your system.
Do this instead:
Change your filter every 1–3 months, depending on:
- Pet hair
- Dust levels
- Allergies
- Furnace usage
Clean filters = lower energy bills and cleaner air.
Myth #5: “A bigger furnace heats better.
Reality: Bigger isn’t always better. You have an undersized furnace, and it’s simply not powerful enough to warm your home effectively, resulting in constant on-and-off cycles (cycling) that waste energy, accelerate wear and tear, and reduce comfort.
Do this instead:
Pick the right-sized furnace for your home. Hire Aire One Keswick will perform a load calculation to ensure you get the right size.
Final Thoughts
Being misled by common myths about furnaces can result in:
- Higher energy bills
- More frequent repairs
- Uneven heating
- Shorter system lifespan
Knowing how your furnace works, for real, inspires you to make smarter, more cost-effective decisions.
Aire One Keswick is here to make sure you keep warm and cozy all through winter!
