You can't live without heat during the cold Illinois winter. As a smart homeowner, you're probably always on the lookout for ways to save on your heating bills. There's a lot of good information out there. However, there are some myths out there that could end up costing you. Let's look at five common myths about your home heating system.

Myth #1: Keeping the thermostat at the same temperature all day saves money.

The furnace works less if you drop the temperature a few degrees when you're not at home or asleep in bed. A programmable thermostat makes it easy to set the temperature and schedule you desire. The thermostat makes automatic adjustments and you save on your energy bills. You can have an HVAC professional install one for you.

Myth #2: The house gets warmer faster if you crank up the thermostat.

The furnace works at a steady pace. It doesn't work harder just because the desired temperature is higher than it normally is. Another problem is the fact that, at some point, you will forget you cranked it up. The furnace will use more energy sustaining the higher temperature.

Myth #3: Ceiling fans are only for warm weather.

Ceiling fans can lower HVAC bills year round. Heat rises. A ceiling fan can bring that hot air down to where you're sitting. Just reverse the fan blades so that they are spinning clockwise when you look up at them. The switch to reverse direction is on the side of the motor. Your furnace won't have to work as hard to keep you comfortable.

Myth #4: Running space heaters costs less than running a furnace.

It doesn't matter if you are running a gas or electric furnace. Electricity can cost up to three times what using natural gas does, so a gas furnace is more cost effective. Plus, modern electric furnaces are more efficient than space heaters. Talk with an HVAC professional about how efficient your heating system really is.

Myth #5: Using the fireplace saves on energy bills.

While using a fireplace can keep your energy costs down, you need to consider the cost of wood for the fire. Unless you have a steady source of firewood, the cost can add up over the winter. Plus, if you are running the furnace while using the fireplace, some of the air you paid to heat will go straight up the flue.

Don't let these myths cost you money. Contact Robert Bair Plumbing Heating and Air for all your HVAC needs.