When cold weather sets in, you probably want to keep your home warm but do not want to spend a fortune doing so. However, you may have fallen prey to some of the myths surrounding cutting costs on your heating bill, leading to an increase in your bills. Below are three misconceptions and the truth behind each.

Myth #1:  Closing Vents In Unused Rooms To Save Money

In a way, it makes sense that closing the vents you do not use very often would save you money on your heating bills. The thought behind this misconception is the hot air diverts to the open vents, making the other rooms warmer.

However, doing so could potentially drive up the cost. It could also place a strain on your furnace, decreasing its life expectancy. Although a vent is closed and not heating a room, the hot air still travels to it through the duct work. When the air meets the resistance, the furnace uses more energy and works harder to push it through. 

Keeping your vents open even to closed off rooms reduces the workload on the furnace. Plus, cold drafts from under the doors of closed-off rooms are eliminated, helping to keep your living areas warmer

Myth #2:  Keeping The Thermostat Set To A Constant Temperature

Another myth you may have heard is that it is best to keep your thermostat set at a constant temperature. The theory behind this myth is that it prevents the furnace from working too hard to reheat the house after being lowered at night or while you are not home.

However, keeping the heater running all of the time will use more energy, resulting in higher energy costs. While it is true the furnace will initially need to run more in a short burst, the cost is still lower than running it when you do not need it.

Fluctuating the thermostat based on when you are awake, asleep, or at work could help you save 5 to 15 percent on your heating bill every year. It is recommended that you set the temperature to 68 degrees while you are up and moving then turn it back about 10 degrees while you are sleeping or away. 

Myth #3:  Turning Up The Thermostat To Heat Your Home Faster

When you wake up first thing in the morning or get home from work, you may turn the thermostat up to its maximum temperature to heat your house faster. However, this is neither necessary nor effective.

The thermostat does not regulate the heat of the air, only the amount of time it runs in order to reach that temperature. When you crank up the thermostat, your home does not heat up any faster. This only causes the furnace to run longer, sucking up energy and making your house too hot.

Instead of turning up the heat to its highest possible temperature, set it at the recommended 68 degrees as discussed in the previous section. The furnace will get you comfortably warm without eating up your energy budget.

You could also install a programmable thermostat and set it to increase the temperature a half an hour before you get out of bed or get home from work. Not only does this make your environment comfortable, but it also takes away the temptation to blast the heat.

If you have fallen victim to any of the above myths, try the suggestions to see if they make a difference in your heating bill. You may also want to contact a heating service about a possible inspection of your home and suggestions on how you can keep it warm more efficiently.