Debunking These 8 Common HVAC Myths

Are you worried about these common HVAC myths? Dispel the misconceptions about heating and cooling to conserve energy and boost home comfort.

Nothing is more important to maintaining a complete sense of comfort at home than your HVAC system. However, many homeowners are misled by common HVAC myths leading to poor performance, higher 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: It’s Best to Replace the HVAC Filter Every Year

Even though it just sits there, changing your filter annually usually isn’t enough to ensure your air quality is safe. This time frame is only appropriate if you have the most basic filter, no pets, no allergies and no large family. If not, clean or replace the filter every 30 to 90 days as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

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

Quite the opposite, your thermostat’s location is crucial for truly effective heating and cooling. Make sure to install your thermostat somewhere that’s far enough away 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: Regular HVAC Maintenance Won’t Pay Off

Routine HVAC maintenance is a cost-effective investment for the foreseeable future that saves money by offering:

• Improved efficiency: Regular maintenance the easiest way to keep your system running as efficiently as possible, helping cut energy consumption and your utility bills.
• Fewer repairs: As we complete a maintenance visit, our technicians can find and resolve small problems like a broken belt or blocked air filters before they lead to bigger problems. This proactive approach helps sidestep unexpected breakdowns and their painful price tags.
• Extended equipment life: Consistent upkeep assists your HVAC system in running smoothly, extending its life by a few seasons to forestall 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, you’ll need to use a few other strategies:

• Ensure proper sizing and installation: Your HVAC unit must be installed and sized correctly to avoid suboptimal performance and elevated energy costs.

• Add more home insulation and seal leaks: Increasing insulation levels and sealing any air leaks around the house keeps conditioned air inside where it belongs. Steps like enhancing attic insulation, sealing gaps around walls, and upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors help provide a stable indoor climate and less energy waste.

• Install a programmable thermostat: This newer HVAC accessory allows you to program energy-saving temperatures that fit neatly into your schedule. Program your smart thermostat with automatic setbacks to cut down on energy consumption while you’re in bed or out of the house.

• Keep air flowing: Keep all supply and return vent openings clear and use ceiling fans to encourage more circulation throughout your home. This evens out the heated or cooled air more consistently for stable comfort and efficiency.

Myth 5: Duct Tape Is a Good Way to Seal Leaky Ductwork

Lots of homeowners fall for this myth since duct tape has a very misleading name. But as you can imagine,  it’s not designed to handle the temperature variations and pressure of HVAC systems, making it a bad choice for sealing duct leaks. Instead, use the appropriate mastic or aluminum foil tape for more efficient results.

Myth 6: Square Footage Is the Sole Factor to Determine HVAC Sizing

On the contrary, sizing the HVAC system correctly is a complex calculation that takes into account much more than how big your home is. Here are the other factors a trained heating and cooling technician must consider when choosing the appropriate size of HVAC system:

• The local climate
• Window size and layout
• 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
• Heat generated in the home

Myth 7: Opting for High Efficiency HVAC Air Filters Is Always the Right Choice

Perhaps you’ve learned of the wonders of HEPA filters and want to install one in your HVAC system. However, while HEPA air filters trap more pollutants, they also limit how much air can flow through. Remember to use a filter that’s compatible with your HVAC system to avoid lowering performance and straining the equipment. In many cases, this means using a different design, like a pleated or electrostatic filter. An HVAC technician 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 furnace and air conditioner specialist to use heating and cooling, but understanding the basics is extremely useful. A refresher goes far toward ensuring your HVAC system’s peak performance, diagnosing issues and communicating effectively with your technician.

Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

With these common HVAC myths debunked, 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 ready to address 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.