The Truth of These 8 HVAC Myths
Have you fallen for these well-known HVAC myths? Clear up the misconceptions about your HVAC system to reduce your energy bills and improve home comfort.
Nothing is as crucial to maintaining a comfortable home environment than your HVAC system. However, many homeowners are misled by common HVAC myths that leave you with poor performance, higher costs and comfort problems. Let’s clear the air on these misconceptions to make sure your home comfort system works as effectively as possible.
Myth 1: You Should Replace the HVAC Filter After a Year
Despite what some think, changing your filter annually is rarely enough to keep your air quality high. This time frame is only appropriate if you have a basic filter, no pets, no allergies and a small household size. For all other designs, try to replace the filter every 30 to 90 days according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Myth 2: It Doesn’t Matter Where the Thermostat Is
Quite the opposite, your thermostat’s location is very important for HVAC effectiveness. Make sure to install your thermostat somewhere that’s a safe distance from direct sunlight, drafts and heat sources as well as your doors and windows. It’s best to find an interior wall properly gauge the average indoor temperature.
Myth 3: Regular HVAC Maintenance Won’t Pay Off
Preventative HVAC maintenance is a budget-friendly and consistent expense that can save you money in several ways:
- Boosted efficiency: Professional maintenance is the best way to keep your system running at its best, helping cut energy waste and your utility bills.
- Fewer repairs: During a maintenance visit, your technician will find and resolve small problems like worn belts or blocked air filters before they lead to bigger problems. A future-minded approach prevents unexpected breakdowns and the costs that come with.
- Increased system durability: Consistent upkeep helps your HVAC system in running smoothly, extending its life by several years to prevent premature replacement costs.
Myth 4: A High-Efficiency HVAC System Is All It Takes to Lower Energy Costs
While it’s a strong start, installing a high-efficiency HVAC system is just a single option. To {truly maximize efficiency and minimize those monthly energy bills, it might be a good idea to use other helpful strategies:
- Ensure proper sizing and installation: Your HVAC unit must be installed and sized correctly to avoid impacting the system’s efficiency and increased energy costs.
- Add more home insulation and seal leaks: Boosting insulation levels and tightening the seal of windows and doors around the house keeps air conditioning indoors. Steps like increasing attic insulation, sealing gaps around walls, and replacing old windows and doors help provide even temperatures and less energy use.
- Get a programmable thermostat: This newer HVAC accessory allows you to create settings for energy-saving temperatures based on your schedule. Streamline your thermostat with automatic setbacks to minimize power use while you’re asleep or out of the house.
- Keep air flowing: Keep all supply and return vents in the open position and use ceiling fans to circulate more air throughout your home. This evens out the heated or cooled air more consistently for improved comfort and efficiency.
Myth 5: Duct Tape Can Prevent Ventilation Leaks
Many people believe this misconception because duct tape has a very misleading name. Unfortunately, it’s unable to handle the temperature variations and air pressure inside HVAC systems, making it a poor strategy for sealing duct leaks. Instead, use something called mastic or aluminum foil tape for more permanent results.
Myth 6: HVAC Sizing Is All About Square Footage
On the contrary, sizing the HVAC system correctly is an intricate process that takes into account much more than the size of the home itself. Here are the other factors a trained heating and cooling technician must evaluate when choosing the appropriate size of HVAC system:
- Climate
- How big your windows are and where they’re placed
- The degree of your home’s insulation
- The rate at which outdoor air gets indoors
- Which way your house is oriented
- How many people live in your house
- The amount of heat your home collects over time
Myth 7: A More Efficient HVAC Air Filter Is Always Better
Perhaps you’ve been told about the wonders of HEPA filters and want to install one in your HVAC system. But, while HEPA air filters filter out more contaminants, they also restrict airflow. Remember to use a filter that’s compatible with your HVAC system to avoid lowering performance and putting too much stress on it. In many cases, this is easiest with a different design, like a pleated or electrostatic filter. Our Experts can help you make the right choice.
Myth 8: Understanding My HVAC System Isn’t Necessary
You shouldn’t have to be a heating and cooling Expert to enjoy your heating and cooling system, but understanding the basics is extremely useful. A refresher goes a long way toward ensuring your HVAC system’s peak performance, diagnosing issues and working closely with your technician.
Partner with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
With these common HVAC myths cleared up, you’re now able to make the most of your heating and cooling system. For additional advice and insights, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our ACE-certified technicians are more than willing to answer all 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.