Solving These 8 HVAC Myths

Have you fallen for these well-known HVAC myths? Clear up the misconceptions about your HVAC system to conserve energy and enhance home comfort.

Nothing is more important to maintaining a comfortable home environment than your HVAC system. However, many homeowners fall prey to common HVAC myths that lead to inefficient performance, unnecessary costs and comfort problems. Let’s clear the air on these misconceptions to help your heating and cooling system operate as effectively as possible.

Myth 1: You Should Replace the HVAC Filter Once 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 is only appropriate if you have a basic filter, no pets, no allergies and no large family. For all other designs, 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 very important for truly effective heating and cooling. Prioritize installation far enough away from direct sunlight, drafts and heat sources as well as the windows and doors. Installation works best on an interior wall properly gauge 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: Professional maintenance keeps your system running at its best, lowering energy consumption and your utility bills.
• Reduced repair needs: At every maintenance visit, our technicians can identify and fix small problems like a broken bolt or dirty air filters before they result in widespread damage. Taking such a proactive approach helps sidestep unexpected breakdowns and the associated repair costs.
• Longer system life span: Consistent upkeep assists your HVAC system in running smoothly, extending its life by several years to prevent 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 really maximize efficiency and minimize energy costs, you’ll need to employ these additional strategies:

• Guarantee accurate sizing and installation: Your HVAC unit must be sized and installed correctly to avoid impacting the system’s efficiency and elevated energy costs.

• Add more home insulation and seal leaks: Boosting insulation levels and tightening the seal of windows and doors around the house keeps conditioned air inside where it belongs. Steps like increasing attic insulation, sealing the small cracks in your walls, and upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors help preserve consistent temperatures and less energy waste.

• Upgrade to a programmable smart thermostat: This newer HVAC accessory allows you to program energy-saving temperatures based on your schedule. Program your smart thermostat with automatic setbacks to cut down on energy consumption while you’re asleep or out of the house.

• Keep air flowing: Keep all supply and return registers in the open position and use ceiling fans to circulate more air throughout your home. This helps evenly spread heating and air conditioning more uniformly for better comfort levels and efficiency.

Myth 5: Duct Tape Is Effective for Sealing Air Ducts

Lots of homeowners are misled by this because duct tape has a very similar name to your ductwork. Sadly,  it won’t be able to handle the temperature changes and air pressure inside HVAC systems, making it a bad choice for sealing duct leaks. Alternatively, use something called mastic sealant or aluminum foil tape for more permanent results.

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

While it may surprise you, sizing the HVAC system correctly is an intricate process that accounts for much more than how big your home is. Here are some of the other things a trained heating and cooling technician should evaluate when selecting an appropriate system size for your home:

• The local climate
• How big your windows are and where they’re placed
• Insulation levels
• The rate at which outdoor air gets indoors
• Which way your house is oriented
• The size of your household
• The amount of heat your home collects over time

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 wish to put one in your HVAC system. However, while HEPA air filters catch more particles, they also limit how much air can flow through. It’s important to use a filter that’s appropriately matched to your HVAC system to avoid hurting efficiency and overworking the system. In many cases, this means using a mid-range pleated or electrostatic filter. Our Experts can help you choose wisely.

Myth 8: Understanding My HVAC System Isn’t Necessary

You may not need to be a HVAC Expert to operate your heating and cooling system, but catching up on the basics is very beneficial. A little knowledge goes far toward keeping your HVAC in good shape, troubleshooting small issues and communicating effectively with your technician.

Team up with 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 more useful tips and ideas, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our ACE-certified technicians are happy to answer your questions and help you achieve a more comfortable, energy-efficient home. Get in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for more information.