Winter Weather Myths & Facts

Winter weather can bring icy roads, frigid temperatures, and the occasional snow day, but it also brings plenty of misconceptions. Let’s separate myth from fact to help you prepare, stay safe, and be energy efficient this season.

Myth: Turning up the thermostat heats your home faster.

Fact: If you have a heat pump, turning up the thermostat by several degrees can trigger auxiliary heat strips that use resistance heating to warm the home. These heat strips use a great deal of energy, driving up your bill. It is recommended to set your thermostat as low as comfortably possible when you are home and even lower when you are away or sleeping.

Myth: Ceiling fans are useless in winter.

Fact: Ceiling fans can help distribute warm air. Set your fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed to push warm air down from the ceiling, making your living space feel more comfortable.

Myth: Space heaters are an energy-efficient way to heat your home.

Fact: While space heaters can be helpful for heating small areas, they are not efficient for warming entire homes. Use them sparingly and always follow safety guidelines to prevent fires.

Myth: Leaving the oven open after baking helps heat your home.

Fact: While your oven does emit heat, it’s not designed to warm your home. Relying on it can increase your energy costs and pose safety risks. Stick to your home’s heating system for warmth.

Myth: Leaving the thermostat at the same setting every month means the bill should be the same.

Fact: Weather greatly impacts energy usage. The colder the temperature outside, the harder your heater has to work to keep it warm inside. Help reduce the load on your heater by servicing it regularly, adding
insulation in your home, and keeping it at a moderate setting.

Myth: Closing vents in unused rooms saves energy.

Fact: Closing vents can disrupt airflow and increase pressure in your ductwork, which can strain your HVAC system and reduce efficiency. Avoid closing vents and keep internal doors open whenever possible to encourage consistent temperatures throughout the home.

Myth: Fireplaces are an energy-efficient way to heat your home.

Fact: Fireplaces provide some warmth and a lovely ambiance, but they are not very energy efficient. Using your fireplace requires the damper to be open in the chimney, allowing warm air to escape. If you are relying on a fireplace for heat, couple it with a heat-air exchange system that blows the warm air back into the room.

Myth: Drafts cannot be prevented during cold weather.

Fact: Drafts can be reduced by installing caulking or weather-stripping around exterior doors and windows. This is a low-cost project that is easy to DIY. Just visit your local hardware store to pick up the supplies.

Myth: It is normal for the heater to emit a burning smell when you turn it on for the first time each year.

Fact: This is usually due to a buildup of dust and debris on the components that burns off when the heat is first activated. To prevent this from happening, regularly clean your unit and have it serviced by a
professional.

Knowing the facts about winter weather can help you stay safe, save energy, and protect your home. For more tips and resources, click here.