Debunking These 8 Common HVAC Myths

Are you worried about these well-known HVAC myths? Dispel the misconceptions about your HVAC system to conserve energy and enhance home comfort.

Nothing is more helpful for maintaining a complete sense of comfort at home than your HVAC system. At the same time, many homeowners fall prey to common HVAC myths that lead to poor performance, higher costs and comfort problems. We’re here to correct these misconceptions to make sure your home comfort system works as efficiently as possible.

Myth 1: You Should Replace the HVAC Filter Every Year

Even though it just sits there, changing your filter annually won’t be enough to keep your air quality high. This time frame only works if you use a basic filter, no pets, no allergies and no large family. Otherwise, try to replace the filter every 30 to 90 days as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Myth 2: Thermostat Placement Doesn’t Really Matter

In reality, your thermostat’s location is absolutely vital 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. The ideal placement is on an interior wall in an open part of your home the day-to-day indoor temperature.

Myth 3: Preventative Maintenance Is a Waste of Money

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

  • Enhanced efficiency: A regular schedule for maintenance is the best way to keep your system running at its best, helping cut energy waste and your utility bills.
  • Less frequent repairs: As we complete a maintenance visit, our technicians can find and resolve small problems like a broken belt or dirty air filters before they result in widespread damage. A future-minded approach avoids unexpected breakdowns and their painful price tags.
  • Longer system life span: Consistent upkeep assists your HVAC system in operating properly, extending its life by a few seasons to avoid 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 genuinely maximize efficiency and minimize monthly utility costs, you will want to implement a few other strategies:

  • Make sure of correct size and setup: Your HVAC unit must be sized correctly to avoid suboptimal performance and higher energy costs.
  • Seal and insulate your home: Increasing insulation levels and tightening the seal of windows and doors around the house keeps conditioned air inside where it belongs. Steps like adding more attic insulation, sealing the small cracks in your walls, and installing better windows and doors help provide a stable indoor climate and reduced energy consumption.
  • Install a programmable thermostat: This innovative HVAC control allows you to program energy-saving temperatures based on your schedule. Program your smart thermostat with automatic setbacks to minimize power use while you’re sleeping or away from home.
  • Boost air circulation: Keep all supply and return registers in the open position and use ceiling fans to circulate more air throughout your home. This distributes heated or cooled air more uniformly for better comfort levels and efficiency.

Myth 5: Duct Tape Is Effective for Sealing Air Ducts

Plenty of people believe this misconception since duct tape has a very misleading name. But as you can imagine,  it’s not designed to cope with the temperature changes and air pressure inside HVAC systems, making it a ineffective solution for sealing duct leaks. Alternatively, use something called mastic or aluminum foil tape for more efficient results.

Myth 6: HVAC Sizing Is All About Square Footage

On the contrary, proper HVAC sizing is a complex calculation that takes into account much more than just your home’s square footage. Here are the other factors a trained heating and cooling technician should evaluate when sizing your HVAC:

  • Your average climate
  • Window size and layout
  • Insulation levels
  • The rate at which outdoor air gets indoors
  • Which way your house is oriented
  • Occupancy levels
  • 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 heard about the wonders of HEPA filters and wish to put one in your HVAC system. At the same time, while these high-efficiency air filters filter out more contaminants, 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. Your Expert technician can help you select the best option.

Myth 8: Understanding My HVAC System Isn’t Necessary

You shouldn’t have to be a heating and cooling Expert to enjoy a furnace and air conditioner, but learning the basics is quite helpful. A little knowledge goes a long way toward ensuring your HVAC system’s peak performance, diagnosing issues and working closely with your technician.

Partner with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

With these common HVAC myths cleared up, you’re finally prepared to optimize your heating and cooling system. For additional advice and insights, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our ACE-certified technicians are ready to address your questions and help you enjoy a more energy-smart household. Reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for more information.

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