Solving These 8 HVAC Myths

Are you worried about these infamous HVAC myths? Dispel the misconceptions about your HVAC system to conserve energy and improve home comfort.

Nothing is more helpful for maintaining a comfortable home environment than your HVAC system. At the same time, many homeowners are misled by common HVAC myths leading to inefficient performance, higher costs and comfort problems. It’s time to debunk these misconceptions to ensure your HVAC system runs as optimally 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 keep your air quality high. This time frame is only appropriate if you have 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: Thermostat Placement Doesn’t Really Matter

As a matter of fact, your thermostat’s location is very important for truly effective heating and cooling. The thermostat should be installed away from direct sunlight, drafts and any other sources of heat as well as the windows and doors. It’s best to find an interior wall and centrally located room to {accurately maintain the average indoor temperature.

Myth 3: Preventative Maintenance Is a Waste of Money

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

• Enhanced efficiency: A regular schedule for maintenance the easiest way to keep your system running at its best, reducing energy consumption and your utility bills.
• Reduced repair needs: As we complete a maintenance visit, technicians find and resolve small problems like a broken belt or dirty air filters before they result in widespread damage. A future-minded approach helps sidestep unexpected breakdowns and the associated repair costs.
• Extended equipment life: Consistent upkeep aids your HVAC system in functioning correctly, extending its life by a few seasons to avoid premature replacement costs.

Myth 4: A High-Efficiency HVAC System Is All It Takes to Lower Energy Costs

While starting here is never a bad idea, installing a high-efficiency HVAC system is only one of your options maximize efficiency and minimize monthly utility costs, you’ll need to implement a few other strategies:

• Make sure of correct size and setup: Your HVAC unit must be installed and sized correctly to avoid inefficient operation and increased energy costs.

• Enhance the amount of insulation and sealing in your house: Boosting insulation levels and tightening the seal of windows and doors around the house keeps air conditioning indoors. Steps like increasing attic insulation, sealing the small cracks in your walls, and upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors help maintain consistent temperatures 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. Set and forget your thermostat with automatic setbacks to reduce energy use while you’re asleep or out of the house.

• Keep air flowing: Keep all supply and return vents clear and use ceiling fans to encourage more circulation throughout your home. This distributes HVAC more consistently for stable comfort and efficiency.

Myth 5: Duct Tape Can Prevent Ventilation Leaks

Plenty of people are misled by this because duct tape has a very similar name. But as you can imagine,  it’s not designed to withstand the temperature variations and pressure of HVAC systems, making it a ineffective solution for sealing duct leaks. Instead, use something called mastic or aluminum foil tape for more effective results.

Myth 6: Square Footage Is the Only Factor Used to Size an HVAC System

While it may surprise you, sizing the HVAC system correctly is an intricate process that accounts for much more than just your home’s square footage. Here are the other factors a trained heating and cooling technician should take into consideration when selecting an appropriate system size for your home:

• Climate
• How big your windows are and where they’re placed
• How well your home is insulated
• Air infiltration rates
• Home orientation
• How many people live in your house
• Heat generated in the home

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

Perhaps you’ve learned of the wonders of HEPA filters and wish to put one in your HVAC system. However, while HEPA air filters filter out more contaminants, they also reduce air circulation. It’s important to use a filter that’s appropriately matched to your HVAC system to avoid lowering performance and overworking the system. In many cases, this means using a different design, like a pleated or electrostatic filter. An HVAC technician can help you make the right choice.

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

You may not need to be a heating and cooling Expert to operate your heating and cooling system, but understanding the basics is very beneficial. A refresher goes far toward ensuring your HVAC system’s peak performance, troubleshooting small issues and working closely 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 further suggestions, 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. Reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for more information.