It’s more than just a mysterious box in your garage or closet that keeps you warm all winter!
Your heater does a lot more than just blow hot air – it’s got a pretty fascinating story behind it. Here are 10 facts about home heating that might surprise you.
1. Your Heater Is Your Biggest Energy User
Heating accounts for about 42% of your home’s total energy consumption. That’s right, nearly half of what you spend on energy goes straight to keeping warm. Even here in SoCal where winters are mild, your heater is still working harder than your fridge, TV, lights, and dishwasher combined. The U.S. Department of Energy found that heating and cooling together make up nearly 48% of residential energy use, which is why keeping your system maintained is such a big deal.
2. A Woman Invented Modern Central Heating
In 1919, a woman named Alice Parker received the first patent for a central heating system. Before her invention, people were still relying on fireplaces and individual stoves to stay warm. Parker’s design allowed people to regulate temperature throughout their entire home efficiently – pretty revolutionary for the time. It paved the way for the comfortable heating systems we use today in homes across LA and the San Fernando Valley.
3. The Romans Had Central Heating 2,500 Years Ago
Think central heating is modern? Think again. Ancient Romans developed a system called a hypocaust that circulated heat from fires through empty spaces under floors and inside walls. Basically, they invented radiant floor heating way back in 2500 BC. After the Roman Empire fell, this technology was actually lost for centuries, and people went back to primitive fireplaces until the Renaissance period.
4. Cranking Up Your Thermostat Won’t Heat Your House Faster
This is one of the biggest myths out there. Setting your thermostat to 80 degrees when you walk into a cold house won’t make it heat up any faster than setting it to your desired 68 degrees. Your heating system works at the same speed no matter what temperature you set – you’ll just end up overshooting your comfort zone and wasting energy.
5. Natural Gas Is Odorless
If you’ve ever smelled that distinctive “rotten egg” smell and thought it was natural gas, you’re kind of right – but natural gas itself is actually completely odorless. Energy companies add a chemical odorant called mercaptan before distributing it through pipelines so you can detect leaks. Pretty smart safety feature, right?
6. Your Heater Can Last 15-20 Years (With Proper Care)
Most heating systems have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, which is actually longer than most major appliances in your home. Air conditioners typically only last 10-15 years, and your dishwasher might be lucky to hit 10 years. But here’s the catch – that 20-year lifespan only happens if you take care of your heater with regular maintenance. Skip those annual tune-ups, and you’re looking at a much shorter life.
7. Benjamin Franklin Made Heating Way Better
In 1741, Benjamin Franklin invented the Franklin stove, which was a game-changer for home heating. It used an inverted siphon to circulate air better, producing way more heat and way less smoke than traditional fireplaces. Before that, people were basically choosing between freezing or filling their homes with smoke. Franklin’s stove made winter living a lot more bearable.
8. Lowering Your Thermostat By Just One Degree Saves Money
Here’s an easy way to save some cash – for every degree you lower your thermostat in winter, you can save at least 3% on your heating bill. Some estimates put it even higher at 5% or more. So if you’re comfortable at 67 instead of 68, you’re looking at real savings without sacrificing much comfort.
9. Heating Uses More Energy Than Cooling
Even though we’re in SoCal where AC gets a workout, heating actually uses more energy than cooling. When temperatures dip, your heater has to work harder to bridge that temperature gap between inside and outside. The bigger the difference, the more energy it takes. That’s why even our mild SoCal winters can cause noticeable spikes in energy bills.
10. Home Heating Accounts For About 30% Of Your Total Energy Use
This goes beyond just the percentage mentioned earlier – when you factor in everything your home uses energy for, heating alone takes up roughly 30% of the total pie. That’s a huge chunk, which is why upgrading to a more efficient system or keeping up with maintenance can make such a noticeable difference in your monthly bills.
Keep Your Heater Running Strong
Now that you know these facts, you probably have a new appreciation for your heating system. Whether you need a tune-up, repairs, or you’re thinking about upgrading to a newer, more efficient model, MightyServ has been taking care of homes in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley for over 60 years.
Our expert technicians service all major brands and will make sure your system is ready for whatever weather comes your way.
Want to learn more about keeping your heater in top shape? Contact us or give us a call at (818) 348-4768 to schedule your heating service today.
