Debunking These 8 Myths About HVAC

Have you fallen for these well-known HVAC myths? Clear up the misconceptions about heating and cooling to save energy and enhance home comfort.

Nothing is more important to maintaining a complete sense of comfort at home than your HVAC system. However, many homeowners unintentionally believe common HVAC myths that leave you with inefficient performance, steeper costs and comfort problems. Let’s clear the air on these misconceptions to ensure your HVAC system runs as efficiently as possible.

Myth 1: It’s Best to Replace the HVAC Filter Once a Year

Despite what some think, changing your filter annually is rarely 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 a smaller family. 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 absolutely vital for truly effective heating and cooling. Make sure to install your thermostat somewhere that’s away from hot sunlight, drafts and sources of heat as well as the windows and doors. Installation works best on an interior wall in an open part of your home the daily indoor temperature.

Myth 3: Preventative Maintenance Is a Waste of Money

Routine HVAC maintenance is an affordable, predictable cost that can save you money in several ways:

• Boosted efficiency: A regular schedule for maintenance keeps your system running as efficiently as possible, helping cut energy use and your utility bills.
• Less frequent repairs: During a maintenance visit, our technicians can find and resolve small problems like worn belts or blocked air filters before they result in widespread damage. A future-minded approach helps sidestep unexpected breakdowns and their painful price tags.
• Extended equipment life: Consistent upkeep helps 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 it’s a strong start, installing a high-efficiency HVAC system is only one of your options maximize efficiency and minimize those monthly energy bills, it might be a good idea to implement other helpful strategies:

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

• Add more home insulation and seal leaks: Increasing insulation levels and tightening the seal of windows and doors around the house keeps air conditioning indoors. Steps like enhancing attic insulation, sealing cracks in walls, and replacing old windows and doors help provide even temperatures and less energy consumption.

• Upgrade to a programmable smart thermostat: This newer HVAC accessory allows you to set up automatic energy-saving temperatures based on your schedule. Streamline your thermostat with automatic setbacks to minimize power use while you’re sleeping or on vacation.

• Boost air circulation: Keep all supply and return vent openings in the open position and use ceiling fans to encourage more circulation throughout your home. This evens out the HVAC across the board for stable comfort and efficiency.

Myth 5: Duct Tape Can Prevent Ventilation Leaks

Many people fall for this myth since duct tape has a very similar name to your ductwork. But as you can imagine,  it’s unable to cope with 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 effective results.

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

On the contrary, sizing an HVAC system is dependent on a detailed assessment that considers much more than just your home’s square footage. Here are some of the other things a trained heating and cooling technician should evaluate when sizing your HVAC:

• Your average climate
• Window size and layout
• The degree of your home’s insulation
• Air infiltration rates
• Which way your house is oriented
• How many people live in your house
• Interior heat gain

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

Perhaps you’ve learned of the wonders of HEPA filters and want to install one in your HVAC system. At the same time, while HEPA air filters catch more particles, 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 putting too much stress on it. In many cases, this is easiest with a different design, like a pleated or electrostatic filter. Your Expert technician can help you choose wisely.

Myth 8: Understanding My HVAC System Isn’t Necessary

You may not need to be a furnace and air conditioner specialist to operate your heating and cooling system, but understanding the basics is extremely useful. A refresher goes far toward ensuring your HVAC system’s peak performance, diagnosing issues and making informed decisions with your technician.

Team up with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

With these common HVAC myths cleared up, you’re ready to optimize 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 enjoy a more energy-smart household. Get in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for more information.