The Truth of These 8 Myths About HVAC

Are you worried about these well-known HVAC myths? Dispel the misconceptions about heating and cooling to conserve energy and improve home comfort.

Nothing is more helpful for maintaining a complete sense of comfort at home than your HVAC system. Despite this, many homeowners unintentionally believe common HVAC myths that lead to weaker performance, unnecessary costs and comfort problems. We’re here to correct these misconceptions to make sure your home comfort system works as efficiently as possible.

Myth 1: You Only Need to Change the HVAC Filter After a Year

Despite what some think, changing your filter once a year usually isn’t enough to keep your air quality high. This time frame only works if you use a basic filter, no pets, no allergies and no large family. Otherwise, you should replace the filter every 30 to 90 days according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Myth 2: It Doesn’t Matter Where the Thermostat Is

As a matter of fact, your thermostat’s location is absolutely vital for HVAC effectiveness. The thermostat should be installed 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 in an open part of your home the daily indoor temperature.

Myth 3: Preventative Maintenance Is a Waste of Money

Regularly scheduled HVAC maintenance is an affordable, predictable cost that delivers higher savings by making sure your HVAC system enjoys:

• Enhanced efficiency: A regular schedule for maintenance is the best way to keep your system running as efficiently as possible, lowering energy consumption and your utility bills.
• Fewer repairs: At every maintenance visit, your technician will spot and repair small problems like a broken bolt or a clog in the air filter before they result in widespread damage. A future-minded approach prevents unexpected breakdowns and the costs that come with.
• Extended equipment life: Consistent upkeep helps your HVAC system in operating properly, extending its life by some time to avoid premature replacement costs.

Myth 4: Installing an Energy-Efficient Unit Is All That’s Needed to Reduce My Bills

While starting here is never a bad idea, installing a high-efficiency HVAC system is just a single option. To {truly maximize efficiency and minimize monthly utility costs, it might be a good idea to use other helpful strategies:

• Make sure of correct size and setup: Your HVAC unit must be sized correctly to avoid suboptimal performance and higher energy costs.

• Enhance the amount of insulation and sealing in your house: Boosting insulation levels and closing any remaining gaps around the house keeps air conditioning indoors. Steps like enhancing attic insulation, sealing cracks in walls, and installing better windows and doors help maintain even temperatures and reduced energy consumption.

• Get a programmable thermostat: This newer HVAC accessory allows you to create settings for energy-saving temperatures that fit neatly into your schedule. Program your smart thermostat with automatic setbacks to reduce energy use while you’re in bed or away from home.

• Keep air flowing: Keep all supply and return vents clear and use ceiling fans to encourage more circulation throughout your home. This distributes heating and air conditioning across the board for better comfort levels and efficiency.

Myth 5: Duct Tape Is Effective for Sealing Air Ducts

Plenty of people believe this misconception since 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 or aluminum foil tape for more effective results.

Myth 6: HVAC Sizing Is All About Square Footage

On the contrary, proper HVAC sizing is an intricate process that accounts for much more than the size of the home itself. Here are some of the other things an experienced heating and cooling technician must take into consideration when selecting an appropriate system size for your home:

• Your average climate
• The size and layout of your windows
• The degree of your home’s insulation
• How much outside air enters your home
• The direction your home faces
• Occupancy levels
• Heat generated in the home

Myth 7: A More Efficient HVAC Air Filter Is Always Better

Perhaps you’ve heard about the wonders of HEPA filters and are considering installing one in your HVAC system. At the same time, while these high-efficiency air filters filter out more contaminants, they also limit how much air can flow through. Remember to use a filter that’s compatible with your HVAC system to avoid a drop in efficiency and overworking the system. In many cases, this is easiest with a a pleated, mid-range or electrostatic filter. Our Experts can help you select the best option.

Myth 8: I Don’t Need to Know How My HVAC System Works; That’s What My Technician Is For

You shouldn’t have to be a heating and cooling Expert to operate heating and cooling, but catching up on the basics is very beneficial. A refresher goes far toward maintaining your HVAC system properly, troubleshooting small issues and making informed decisions with your technician.

Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

With these common HVAC myths cleared up, you’re finally prepared to optimize your heating and cooling system. For additional advice and insights, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our ACE-certified technicians are ready to address your questions and help you achieve a more comfortable, energy-efficient home. Reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for more information.