Cold Weather Myths You Shouldn’t Believe This Winter

Winter is full of well-meaning advice that gets passed down year after year, but not all of it is true. In fact, some cold-weather rules can actually waste energy, increase bills, or even cause damage. Let’s clear the frost off a few common myths.

Myth #1: Turning the heat way up warms your house faster

Truth: Your heating system doesn’t work harder or faster just because you crank it up.

It runs at the same speed, so all you’re really doing is overshooting your comfort level and wasting energy once the house warms up.

Pro tip: Set your thermostat to the temperature you actually want and let it do its thing.

Myth #2: It’s cheaper to leave the heat running all day

Truth: Heating an empty home costs more than reheating it later.

Keeping your house warm while no one’s home means you’re paying to heat air you’re not using.

Pro tip: Lower the thermostat when you’re away or asleep—bonus points if you use a programmable or smart thermostat.

Myth #3: Space heaters save money

Truth: Space heaters are one of the most expensive ways to heat a home—and they can be a safety risk.

They use a lot of electricity and often drive up energy bills rather than lowering them.

Pro tip: Focus on sealing drafts, adding insulation, and heating room-by-room efficiently when possible.

Myth #4: Closing vents in unused rooms saves energy

Truth: Closing vents can actually disrupt your system’s airflow, making it work harder.

That extra strain can increase energy use and wear down your HVAC system faster.

Pro tip: Keep vents open and focus on proper insulation and weather-sealing instead.