What’s Your Home Heating IQ? (QUIZ)

Heating your home in the winter isn’t always as easy as flipping a switch. To get the most out of your system, it’s important to understand and apply a few critical things. Test your knowledge here and see how N.E.T.R., Inc. can help you get energy-efficient heating for less.

QUIZ

Select and write down your answer on a piece of paper. Then, compare them to the key below to find out if you’re a heating guru.

1. How much money can you save on your home heating bill by turning down your thermostat just 1 degree? 

A. 2%

B. 3%

C. 10%

D. 12%

2. What is the most common type of home heating? 

A. Central HVAC 

B. Space heaters 

C. Natural gas

D. Ductless HVAC 

3. What is the most efficient type of home heating? 

A. Central HVAC 

B. Space heaters 

C. Natural gas  

D. Ductless HVAC

4. Which is the best kind of heating for extremely cold climates? 

A. Natural gas 

B. Pellet stoves 

C. Oil heating 

D. Air source heat pumps 

5. Which of these is not a good way to save money on your home heating bill? 

A. Close central air vents in rooms you’re not using 

B. Cover your windows with plastic or blankets 

C. Turn your thermostat down a few degrees 

D. Change the direction your ceiling fans are turning 

6. True or false: All types of heating make the air in your home drier. 

A. True 

B. False 

7. How often should you change your air filter in the winter?

A. Every 6 months 

B. Every 4 months 

C. Every 2 months 

D. Every month 

8. Fill in the blank: Your thermostat should be placed in the ___ of your home.

A. South corner 

B. Center 

C. Laundry room 

D. Living room 

9. Which of the following is not a component of a ductless heating system?

A. Compressor 

B. Refrigerant 

C. Pilot light 

D. Expansion valve 

10. True or false: You should turn your thermostat to “on” during the winter to keep your home warm. 

A. True

B. False

ANSWER KEY

Compare your answers to the correct ones below. Give yourself a point for every correct answer and write that number down.

1. B – Turning down your thermostat 1 degree can save you 3% on your home heating expenses. (Department of Energy and Environment)

2. C – Approximately 48% of families in America use natural gas to heat their homes. (Climate Central)

3. D – Ductless mini splits don’t generate heat – they move it from one place to another, which uses less energy than other forms of heating.

4. D – Air source heat pumps can keep your home comfortable down to – 13 degrees Fahrenheit. 

5. A – Central heating systems produce the same amount of air regardless of which vents are open or closed, so you’re not saving any money on energy. Plus, you can negatively affect the static pressure in your air vents, causing damage to your heat exchanger and potentially resulting in hazardous gas or carbon monoxide leaks. 

6. A – True. Heating itself removes humidity from the air, which can aggravate allergies and dry out your skin. It’s important to monitor indoor humidity during the winter and use humidifiers if your air is very dry.  

7. D – Your air filter should be changed roughly every 30 days or so to keep your indoor air clean. 

8. B – Thermostats should be put in the middle of your house where there are no doors or windows where drafts could affect the sensors inside.

9. C – Pilot lights are used to ignite gas-powered furnaces used for home heating. 

10. B – False. Your thermostat should be set to “auto,” which allows your fan to turn on and off based on the temperature in your home. The “on” setting will run your heater constantly, which raises your electric bill and can make your home uncomfortably warm. 

SCORE

See where your score falls below and find out whether you’re a heating expert or an amateur.

1 – 3: You’re not very familiar with heating or how it works. It’s time to hit the books.

4 – 7: You know the basics but there’s still room for improvement.  

8 – 10: Congratulations! You’re a heating aficionado.

Need Home Heating Help? Call N.E.T.R., Inc. Today

At N.E.T.R., Inc., we know heating. Our team of Mitsubishi Electric Elite Diamond contractors can help you get reliable, energy-efficient home heat that keeps you comfortable all winter long. Contact us today at (781) 933-6387 to learn more.