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Last Updated on April 18, 2025
Winter comes with two things: cold air and too much advice. Everyone’s got a tip. Your neighbor swears by electric heaters. Your cousin keeps the heat on low all day. Your friend insists that cranking the thermostat warms the house faster. And sure, they all sound like they’d help.
But here’s the catch: some of the most common heating tips actually end up costing you more. They feel smart in the moment, but they don’t always work the way people think they do.
That’s why we’re calling them out. This article breaks down a few popular heating myths that sound helpful but might be costing you more than you realize.
Let’s get started!
Myth #1: Electric Heating is Better Than Fuel-Based Heating
Electric heaters might seem like the easier option. Just switch them on, and the room will feel warm right away. But that convenience can come at a price, especially when you’re heating more than just one room. This is because electricity prices are often higher than heating oil, and using them long-term can push your bills up fast.
Oil-based systems, on the other hand, tend to deliver the same cozy comfort, often at a lower price. The bonus? Heating oil is even cheaper in colder seasons, and many reputable providers offer seasonal pricing and flexible monthly budget plans.
This means you can split your fuel costs into equal monthly payments. Sounds interesting? Then, check out the websites of a few reputable providers. You can usually find more info about these options there. It’s a smart way to stay warm without breaking your budget.
Myth #2: Cranking the Thermostat Heats Your Home Faster
This one’s super common—and super misleading. When the house feels freezing, it’s tempting to turn the thermostat way up, hoping it’ll heat the space quicker. But that’s not how it works.
Your heating system runs at the same pace no matter what temperature you set. Cranking it to 80 degrees won’t make it warm faster. It’ll just keep going until it hits that high number, which can lead to overheating and wasted energy.
The smarter move? Set your thermostat to the temperature you actually want, and let it do its job. You’ll stay comfortable without overworking your system or paying for heat you didn’t need.
Myth #3: Leaving the Heat on Low All Day Saves Money
At first, this sounds like a smart way to avoid the cost of reheating the house every time you come back. But unless someone’s home all day, it’s actually a waste of energy—and money.
Most modern heating systems are built to work in cycles. That means they heat up a space efficiently when needed rather than slowly running all day. Keeping your heat low 24/7 just burns through fuel or electricity when nobody’s around to benefit.
If you want to save without sacrificing comfort, try using a programmable or smart thermostat. You can schedule it to lower the heat while you’re out and bring it back up before you return. That way, your home stays cozy only when it matters—and your wallet stays a bit fuller.
Myth #4: All Rooms Should Be Heated Equally
Heating every room in your home the same way might seem logical, but it’s not always necessary, and it can lead to higher bills. Not all rooms get used the same way. Think about it: does your guest room need to be as warm as your living room?
So, if you’re using a system with vents, consider closing the ones in less-used areas. This helps redirect warm air where it’s actually needed. Zone heating can be a smart option for oil- or radiator-based systems if it’s available.
Even something as simple as keeping doors shut to unused rooms can help trap warmth where you want it. It also keeps the rest of your home from working harder than it has to.
Myth #5: Heating Maintenance Isn’t Necessary Every Year
It’s easy to skip a heating tune-up. If everything seems to be working fine, why bother? However, skipping yearly maintenance can cost more in the long run, both in repairs and in higher bills.
Over time, heating systems can get clogged, run less efficiently, or even become safety risks. Dirty filters and worn-out parts make your system work harder, which uses more fuel or power and drives up your costs.
A quick annual check-up helps catch problems early and keeps everything running at its best. So, even if it feels like one more thing on your to-do list, it’s worth it.
Wrapping Up
Don’t let outdated heating tips drain your wallet. A few small shifts in how you heat your home can make a big difference in what you spend this season. Take control, question the myths, and explore better options that work for your space and your budget. Want to save smart this winter? Now’s the time to start.