Georgia is known for its hot summers, but the Peach State still has its fair share of cold winters. You can keep warm, however, by running your furnace. A furnace will warm your home while providing you and your family with a comfortable living space during the winter. But there are several home heating myths you shouldn’t believe.

#1) There’s No Benefit in Replacing an Old Furnace

If your furnace still works, you may assume that it’s not worth replacing. After all, most homeowners wait until an appliance breaks before replacing it. If it’s over a decade old, though, you may want to replace your furnace. New furnaces are more efficient. They consume less energy than old furnaces, making them a smart investment.

#2) Turning Up the Thermostat Results in Faster Heat

The speed at which your furnace heats up your home isn’t influenced by the thermostat temperature. Whether you raise the thermostat 2 degrees or 10 degrees, your furnace will still operate at the same speed. Turning up the thermostat will simply make your furnace run for a longer period.

#3) Furnaces Don’t Use an Air Filter

Another common home heating myth is that furnaces don’t use an air filter. The truth is that both air conditioning systems and furnaces use an air filter; they actually use the same air filter. If you’re experiencing airflow problems when running your furnace, you should check the air filter. If it’s dirty, replacing it may resolve your airflow problems.

#4) Space Heaters Are a Cost-Effective Alternative to a Furnace

Think using space heaters will save you money on your home’s heating costs? Think again. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), it costs over 40% more to heat a home with electric space heaters than a gas furnace.

#5) Heat Pumps Don’t Aren’t Effective at Warming Homes

A heat pump is an alternative central heating system. Unlike furnaces, they generate heat by transferring it from the outdoors to the indoors. While they lack the heating power of their furnace counterparts, heat pumps are still effective at warming homes. If you live in a Northern state, you may want to choose a furnace. But a heat pump will suffice for most Southern states, including Georgia.

#6) Closing Supply Vents Will Save You Money on Heating Costs

Closing the supply vents won’t save you money on your home’s heating costs. It will typically have the opposite effect by trapping the warm, conditioned air inside of your home’s ductwork. Rather than being expelled out the supply vents, the conditioned air will remain stuck inside the ductwork.