Solving These 8 Common HVAC Myths

Do you believe in these common HVAC myths? Clear up the misconceptions about heating and cooling to save energy and improve home comfort.

Nothing is as crucial to maintaining a comfortable home environment than your HVAC system. Despite this, many homeowners fall prey to common HVAC myths that leave you with weaker performance, steeper costs and comfort problems. Let’s clear the air on these misconceptions to make sure your home comfort system works as effectively as possible.

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

Contrary to popular belief, changing your filter annually usually isn’t enough to ensure your air quality is safe. This time frame only works if you use a basic filter, no pets, no allergies and a small household size. For all other designs, you should replace the filter every 30 to 90 days as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Myth 2: It Won’t Matter Where Your Thermostat Is Installed

In reality, your thermostat’s location is very important for an effective HVAC system. Make sure to install your thermostat somewhere that’s a safe distance from hot sunlight, drafts and any other sources of heat as well as the windows and doors. 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 can save you money in several ways:

• Boosted efficiency: Professional maintenance is the best way to keep your system running at its best, reducing energy use and your utility bills.
• Reduced repair needs: During a maintenance visit, technicians identify and fix small problems like a broken bolt or blocked air filters before they cause larger issues. A future-minded approach avoids unexpected breakdowns and their painful price tags.
• Longer system life span: Consistent upkeep helps your HVAC system in operating properly, 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 this is a good first step, installing a high-efficiency HVAC system is really maximize efficiency and minimize those monthly energy bills, you’ll need to use a few other strategies:

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

• Add more home insulation and seal leaks: Boosting insulation levels and tightening the seal of windows and doors around the house keeps the AC from getting out. Steps like adding more attic insulation, sealing the small cracks in your walls, and installing better windows and doors help provide consistent temperatures and reduced energy use.

• Install a programmable thermostat: This newer HVAC accessory allows you to set up automatic energy-saving temperatures based on your schedule. Program your smart thermostat with automatic setbacks to reduce energy use while you’re in bed or out of the house.

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

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

Lots of homeowners believe this misconception since duct tape has a very similar name. But as you can imagine,  it’s unable to cope with the temperature changes and pressure of 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, sizing the HVAC system correctly is a complex calculation that accounts for much more than just your home’s square footage. Here are some of the other things an experienced heating and cooling technician should take into consideration when choosing the appropriate size of HVAC system:

• Climate
• How big your windows are and where they’re placed
• Insulation levels
• Air infiltration rates
• The direction your home faces
• How many people live in your house
• Interior heat gain

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. But, while higher efficiency air filters trap more pollutants, they also restrict airflow. It’s important to use a filter that’s appropriately matched to your HVAC system to avoid a drop in efficiency and straining the equipment. In many cases, this is easiest with a different design, like a pleated or electrostatic filter. Our Experts can help you make the right choice.

Myth 8: There’s No Need for Me to Understand My HVAC

You may not need to be a HVAC Expert to use heating and cooling, but catching up on the basics is quite helpful. A little knowledge goes far toward ensuring your HVAC system’s peak performance, catching minor issues and working closely 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. Reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for more information.