5 Heating Myths That Are Draining Your Wallet This Winter

You might have been heating your home the wrong way this whole time. Often, high winter bills aren't caused by the furnace itself but by habits that make it work harder, and older homes benefit most from a few simple fixes. Here are five common heating myths that waste money, what the U.S. Department of Energy recommends instead, and how to tell when the problem really is your heating system, including help paying for a replacement.

Myth 1: Cranking Up the Thermostat Heats the House Faster

Setting the thermostat to 85 degrees doesn't warm your home any faster than setting it to 70. Most furnaces deliver heat at the same rate no matter how high you set the dial; a higher setting just makes the system run longer and overshoot, wasting energy.

Instead: set it to the temperature you actually want and give it time.

Myth 2: It's Cheaper to Keep the Heat at One Temperature All Day

Many people believe reheating a cold house uses more energy than leaving the heat alone. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy says you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day, for example, while you sleep or are away.

Instead: use a programmable or smart thermostat to lower the temperature at night and warm the house before you wake up. One exception: if you have a heat pump, large setbacks can trigger costly backup electric heat, so keep setbacks small or use a thermostat designed for heat pumps.

Myth 3: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Money

Forced-air systems are designed to heat the whole house with balanced airflow. Closing vents can increase pressure in the ductwork, make the system work harder, and lead to uneven heating. Heating professionals generally recommend keeping at least 80% of vents open.

Instead: keep vents open and unblocked by furniture or rugs, and seal leaky ducts.

Myth 4: Space Heaters Are Cheaper Than Central Heat

A space heater can make sense for warming one small room for a short time, but running several electric space heaters for hours often costs more than central heat, and they can be a fire hazard if left unattended. Cold spots usually point to drafts, insulation gaps, or duct problems.

Instead: seal drafts around windows and doors, add insulation where you can, and fix the cause of cold rooms.

Myth 5: If the Furnace Still Runs, It's Fine

An older system that still turns on may be running far less efficiently than it should, especially without regular maintenance. Dirty filters and skipped tune-ups make any system work harder.

Instead: change filters regularly, schedule a yearly tune-up, and watch for the signs below that it's time to replace your system.

Bonus Tip: Check Your Water Heater Setting

Many water heaters are set hotter than needed. Setting yours to about 120 degrees can lower energy costs and reduce scalding risk. If your water heater is old, leaking, or can't keep up, replacing it with a more efficient model may also reduce bills.

When It Really Is Your Heating System

Sometimes the system is the problem. Signs it may be time to replace your furnace or heat pump include:

It's more than about 15 to 20 years old
Repairs are becoming frequent or expensive
Some rooms are always too cold or too hot
Your heating bills keep rising even though your habits haven't changed
You notice unusual noises, short cycling, or yellow burner flames

Replacement options include high-efficiency gas furnaces, heat pumps that both heat and cool, and ductless mini-splits for homes without ducts or for additions. Get at least three written quotes, and ask contractors to size the system with a load calculation rather than square footage alone.

Help Paying for Heating and Replacement

Weatherization Assistance Program: provides free energy upgrades to eligible lower-income households, including, when needed, repairing or replacing heating systems. Contact your local community action agency.
LIHEAP: the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps eligible households pay heating bills, and many states also help with heating emergencies and broken furnaces. Funding for the coming year is uncertain, so apply as early as your state allows.
Utility programs: many utilities offer rebates on efficient equipment, free energy audits, and on-bill financing.
Financing: many HVAC companies offer payment plans, sometimes with promotional rates; compare total costs and read the terms carefully.
Tax credits: the federal energy-efficiency tax credit for heating equipment ended for equipment installed after December 31, 2025, so be cautious of anyone still promising it.

The Bottom Line

Turning the thermostat back at night, keeping vents open, and maintaining your system can cut heating costs without spending a dime. If your system is old or struggling, compare replacement options, check weatherization and utility programs, and get several quotes before you decide.

This article is general information. Program rules and funding vary by state and change over time; confirm details with your local agency or utility.