The Truth of These 8 HVAC Myths
Have you fallen for these well-known HVAC myths? Dispel the misconceptions about your HVAC system to save energy and enhance home comfort.
Nothing is more helpful for maintaining a comfortable home environment than your HVAC system. Despite this, many homeowners are misled by common HVAC myths that lead to poor performance, steeper costs and comfort problems. Let’s clear the air on these misconceptions to help your heating and cooling system operate as efficiently as possible.
Myth 1: You Only Need to Change the HVAC Filter Once a Year
Despite what some think, changing your filter annually won’t be enough to keep your air quality high. This time frame is only appropriate if you use a basic filter, no pets, no allergies and a small household size. If not, you should replace the filter every 30 to 90 days according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Myth 2: It Won’t Matter Where Your Thermostat Is Installed
Quite the opposite, your thermostat’s location is absolutely vital for truly effective heating and cooling. The thermostat should be installed far enough away from hot sunlight, drafts and sources of heat as well as the windows and doors. The ideal placement is on an interior wall correctly read the daily indoor temperature.
Myth 3: Routine HVAC Maintenance Is Unnecessary
Preventative HVAC maintenance is a cost-effective investment for the foreseeable future that can save you money in several ways:
- Enhanced efficiency: A regular schedule for maintenance the easiest way to keep your system running at peak efficiency, helping cut energy waste and your utility bills.
- Less frequent repairs: As we complete a maintenance visit, technicians find and resolve small problems like worn belts or dirty air filters before they cause larger issues. A future-minded approach avoids unexpected breakdowns and their painful price tags.
- Extended equipment life: Consistent upkeep aids your HVAC system in operating properly, extending its life by a few seasons to prevent premature replacement costs.
Myth 4: A High-Efficiency HVAC System Is All It Takes to Lower Energy Costs
While this is a good first step, installing a high-efficiency HVAC system is genuinely maximize efficiency and minimize monthly utility costs, you will want to employ a few other strategies:
- Ensure proper sizing and installation: Your HVAC unit must be sized correctly to avoid impacting the system’s efficiency and increased energy costs.
- Seal and insulate your home: Increasing insulation levels and sealing any air leaks around the house keeps conditioned air inside where it belongs. Steps like increasing attic insulation, sealing the small cracks in your walls, and replacing old windows and doors help maintain consistent temperatures and less energy waste.
- Upgrade to a programmable smart thermostat: This innovative HVAC control allows you to set up automatic energy-saving temperatures that fit neatly into your schedule. Set and forget your thermostat with automatic setbacks to reduce energy use while you’re asleep or on vacation.
- Boost air circulation: Keep all supply and return registers clear and use ceiling fans to circulate more air throughout your home. This evens out the HVAC across the board for better comfort levels and efficiency.
Myth 5: Duct Tape Is Effective for Sealing Air Ducts
Plenty of people fall for this myth because duct tape has a very misleading name. Unfortunately, it’s unable to handle the temperature extremes and air pressure inside HVAC systems, making it a poor strategy for sealing duct leaks. Instead, use something called mastic sealant or aluminum foil tape for more permanent results.
Myth 6: Square Footage Is the Sole Factor to Determine HVAC Sizing
Quite the opposite, sizing an HVAC system is dependent on a detailed assessment that takes into account much more than how big your home is. Here are the other factors an experienced heating and cooling technician will take into consideration when sizing your HVAC:
- Climate
- The size and layout of your windows
- Insulation levels
- How much outside air enters your home
- Home orientation
- Occupancy levels
- The amount of heat your home collects over time
Myth 7: The Higher the Efficiency of the HVAC Air Filter, the Better
Perhaps you’ve been told about the wonders of HEPA filters and wish to put one in your HVAC system. At the same time, while these high-efficiency air filters trap more pollutants, they also restrict airflow. Remember to use a filter that’s suitable for your HVAC system to avoid lowering performance and overworking the system. In many cases, this is easiest with a different design, like a pleated or electrostatic filter. Our Experts can help you select the best option.
Myth 8: There’s No Need for Me to Understand My HVAC
You can’t be expected to be a heating and cooling Expert to use a furnace and air conditioner, but catching up on the basics is extremely useful. A refresher goes a long way toward ensuring your HVAC system’s peak performance, catching minor issues and communicating effectively with your technician.
Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
With these common HVAC myths cleared up, you’re finally prepared to fully utilize your heating and cooling system. For more useful tips and ideas, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our ACE-certified technicians are happy to answer your questions and help you reach complete comfort and higher energy savings at home. Get in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for more information.