Heating System Myths: What You Should Really Know Before Winter Hits

As winter rolls into Alberta, so do the myths and misconceptions about heating systems. Every year, we hear them:

“Turning the heat way up warms the house faster!”

“You don’t need to service your furnace unless it breaks!”

“Closing vents in unused rooms saves energy!”

Sound familiar?

At Jurassic Mechanical Plumbing & Heating Ltd., we believe that knowledge is power—and knowing the truth about your heating system can save you money, energy, and cold toes.

So, let’s bust some prehistoric heating myths and get you winter-ready.

Myth #1: Cranking the Thermostat Heats Your Home Faster

🚫 The Truth: It doesn’t.

Your furnace delivers heat at the same rate no matter the temperature setting. Cranking it up to 30°C won’t make it work faster—it’ll just overshoot your comfort zone and waste energy. Think of it like pressing the gas pedal harder while stuck in traffic—it won’t get you home any quicker!

✅ Pro Tip: Set your thermostat to a consistent, comfortable temperature. A smart thermostat can help manage this automatically (check out our blog on smart thermostats)!

Myth #2: You Don’t Need a Furnace Tune-Up Unless Something’s Wrong

🚫 The Truth: Regular maintenance is essential.

Just like oil changes for your car, annual furnace maintenance keeps your system running efficiently and safely. A neglected unit may still turn on—but it’s burning more fuel, working harder, and wearing out faster.

🔧 Furnace tune-ups can:

• Extend the lifespan of your system

• Improve energy efficiency

• Prevent surprise breakdowns

• Catch dangerous issues like carbon monoxide leaks

Myth #3: Space Heaters Are More Efficient Than Central Heating

🚫 The Truth: Sometimes… but not usually.

Space heaters can be helpful in small spaces for short periods, but using them to heat multiple rooms or for extended hours is often less efficient and more expensive than using your central heating.

Plus, space heaters pose a fire risk if misused. They should never be left unattended or placed near flammable materials.

🔥 Use sparingly, and don’t rely on them as your main heat source.

Myth #4: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy

🚫 The Truth: It can actually waste energy.

Your furnace is designed to heat your entire home evenly. Closing vents disrupts airflow, increases pressure in the ductwork, and can cause your system to work harder than necessary—leading to higher bills and potential wear and tear.

It’s a bit like plugging the exhaust pipe on a T-Rex-sized engine. Bad idea.

✅ Instead, consider:

• Zoning systems

• Installing dampers

• Improving insulation

Myth #5: The Bigger the Furnace, the Better

🚫 The Truth: Bigger isn’t always better.

An oversized furnace will short-cycle—turning on and off frequently—which causes:

• Uneven heating

• Higher energy bills

• Faster wear and tear

A properly-sized furnace should run in smooth, even cycles. At Jurassic Mechanical, we size your system based on your home’s specific needs, not outdated rules of thumb.

Myth #6: All Heating Systems Are the Same

🚫 The Truth: There’s no one-size-fits-all.

There are forced-air furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, radiant systems, and even combi systems—each with its pros, cons, and maintenance needs.

At Jurassic Mechanical, we specialize in ALL types of heating systems and can help you:

• Identify your system

• Optimize performance

• Decide when it’s time for an upgrade

Pro Insight: Many older homes in Alberta still use boilers or radiant heating—don’t let a general contractor guess at how it works. We’ve been working on these systems for years.

Myth #7: Thermostats Belong in the Main Hallway

🚫 The Truth: Not always!

The placement of your thermostat affects how well your heating system performs. If it’s placed:

• In direct sunlight

• Near windows or doors

• Next to heat-producing electronics

…it can misread the room temperature and cause your furnace to run too much—or not enough.

✅ Let us help you choose the right location for accurate, efficient temperature control.

Quick Recap: Heating Myths Busted

Myth	Busted Fact
Crank = Faster Heat	Same speed, just overshoots
No service needed	Annual maintenance saves $$$
Space heaters are best	Only for spot use
Closing vents helps	Disrupts airflow, wastes energy
Bigger furnace = better	Right size = comfort + savings
All systems are the same	Each has unique needs
Thermostats go in hallways	Placement matters a lot

Jurassic-Pro Approved Heating Tips

✔️ Schedule an annual inspection

✔️ Replace your filter every 1–3 months

✔️ Keep vents and registers clear

✔️ Don’t wait until your furnace makes dinosaur sounds

✔️ Upgrade old thermostats for energy savings

Don’t Let Heating Myths Leave You in the Cold

Before winter really hits, make sure your heating system is ready. At Jurassic Mechanical Plumbing & Heating Ltd., we’re not just heating experts—we’re myth-busting masters with decades of combined experience.

Ready to Warm Up the Right Way?

Call us today at 587-453-1019

Email us at info@jurassicmechanical.com

Let’s kick heating myths to the Ice Age.