Gas furnaces have been around for decades and many homes in Boston still use these appliances for winter heating. However, there’s lots of misinformation surrounding gas heating systems and we’re here to debunk the myths.
Keep reading to discover 10 things you might not have known and how N.E.T.R., Inc. can help you maintain your gas furnace or switch to cleaner heat.
1. Gas Heating Is Completely Safe
Many people believe that gas is safe, but this unfortunately isn’t true. The risk of gas leaks, fires, and even explosions is ever-present and while you can do some things to reduce the potential for hazards, you won’t be able to completely eliminate them as long as you’re using gas-powered equipment.
2. Gas Leaks Are Rare
Gas leaks are also not as rare as people might assume. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire departments across the United States respond to roughly 125,000 home gas leaks every year. In fact, America has a major methane gas pipeline leak approximately every 40 hours.
3. You Can Always Detect a Gas Leak by Smell
One of the most widely spread rumors about gas heating is that you can always smell a gas leak, even as soon as it starts. But the truth is that by the time you smell gas in your home, you’ve likely already been breathing it in for a significant period of time.
4. Good Ventilation Solves Gas Leak Problems
Managing a gas leak requires more than just throwing open the windows and doors to get more ventilation. While you certainly want to do this as you’re leaving your house, you need to follow it up with a call to your gas supplier and a qualified HVAC technician to address the leak before you go back home.
5. You Don’t Need Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide is both colorless and odorless, so it’s not as easily detectable as natural gas or propane. The only way to know if you have CO in your home is to use electronic detectors that sound an alarm when the concentration of carbon monoxide in your air is too high. This early detection can help prevent major issues associated with CO exposure, including headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and death.
6. Gas Heating Is Cheaper Than Electric
Once upon a time, natural gas used to be less expensive per BTU of heat generated than electric power. But with recent advancements in energy-efficient ductless technology, you can keep your house warm for less than the cost of gas, wood pellets, baseboard radiators, and other forms of heating.
7. Gas Furnaces Are More Effective Than Other Systems
Some people think that because gas furnaces use a pilot light and burn fuel, they are more effective than other systems. While furnaces get very hot, you don’t necessarily want to blow superheated air throughout your home. This causes hot and cold spots instead of even, consistent warmth.
8. The Bigger the Furnace, the Better
Many people think that the larger your furnace, the more heating you will get. However, your furnace needs to be appropriately sized for your space. If it’s too big, this can cause short cycling, higher energy bills, and more wear and tear on your system.
9. You Can Save Money by Restoring an Old Furnace
There comes a point in every furnace’s lifetime that it will need to be replaced. Old furnaces with outdated technology or lots of repairs usually aren’t worth restoring, especially at the end of their life when maintenance isn’t likely to buy you much more efficiency. In this case, you’ll be better off with a new unit.
10. Gas Furnaces Require Less Maintenance
Some people assume that gas furnace maintenance isn’t as intense as wood stoves and other home heating methods. While burning natural gas is cleaner than wood, furnaces still don’t outperform ductless units in terms of low maintenance and longevity.
Need Heating Services? Call N.E.T.R., Inc.
Whether you have a gas furnace in need of maintenance or repair, or you’re ready to upgrade to cleaner heating for your home or business, N.E.T.R., Inc. has you covered. We’ve been helping residents and business owners stay warm since 1989 and can provide you with reliable service you can trust. Contact us today by calling (781) 933-6387 or send us a message online to get started.
