Top 10 HVAC Myths Debunked!
As a homeowner, maintaining your HVAC should be at the top of your list, but between looking for the most efficient HVAC unit and conducting routine maintenance, there’s a ton of conflicting information.
Do you really need to change your air filter? Why should you hire an expert to maintain your HVAC system? Does the location of your thermostat matter? These questions should be easy to answer, but with the varying opinions out there, it becomes difficult to separate fact from fiction.
This blog will burst 10 of the most common HVAC myths so that you can get the most out of it!
MYTH 1. Turning Off the AC When You’re Away from Home Is a Waste of Energy
You’ve probably heard that it’s better to turn your thermostat all the way up when you leave the house instead of shutting it because turning it on afterward will use up more energy. The truth is, you save energy when your equipment is shut down. However, turning your HVAC off in the evening and then switching it on every morning is too much work.
A programmable thermostat can easily solve this problem because it automatically shuts off when your home temperatures are too high and goes back on when they drop below a pre-set level.
MYTH 2. Air Filters Should be Changed Once a Year
Your indoor air quality should determine how often you change the air filters. Dust, moisture and dirt accumulate over time, clogging the air filters, which in turn restricts airflow into your home.
Make sure you change them at least once a month or preferably hire an HVAC service professional to provide you a time estimate of how often you should change them.
MYTH 3. The Location of Your Thermostat Doesn’t Matter
Well, it does! Thermostats are designed to heat or cool a room based on the readings of its surrounding areas. If you place it near a heat source, e.g., a window where it’s exposed to the sun, it will read the temperature inaccurately, after which it will overcompensate when cooling the room. This will not only increase your energy bills but will also be uncomfortable for the house’s occupants.
MYTH 4. You Don’t Need Routine Maintenance
If it’s not broken, then you don’t need to fix it, right? Wrong! Think of your furnace as a car; some repairs aren’t always apparent, and without regular maintenance, unsolved problems can get out of hand…and cost you a ton in repair bills.
Find a new, modern furnace that will keep your family warm during winter and is affordable.
MYTH 5. An Energy-Efficient Furnace is All you Need to Reduce Your Energy Bills
Yes, energy-efficient equipment reduces your energy consumption, and it’s a great start, but there are other factors that affect your energy bills. For instance, if your home is not properly insulated, then your furnace will end up overworking to maintain optimal indoor temperature.
MYTH 6. You Should Cover the Outdoor Unit During Winter
Heat pumps should not be covered because they run all year round. You should only place a board on top of the fan when heavy snowfall is expected, otherwise covering it all the time will trap moisture, which will, in turn, speed up corrosion.
MYTH 7. Vents in Unused Rooms Should be Closed
Closing the vents in empty rooms doesn’t save you money. In fact, it will end up costing you more in the long run because your furnace will still continue distributing heat throughout your home. The closed vents will only result in a pressure build-up in the ducts, causing leaks.
MYTH 8. You Don’t Need Service Agreements
Professional HVAC service providers may be a little more expensive, but that’s because they don’t compromise on the quality of work. No amount of frustration, system malfunction, and inconvenience is worth the extra amount you have to pay for service agreements.
At least with them, you are assured that the contractor will use quality equipment and that HVAC maintenance is covered.
9. To Cool or Heat Your House Faster, You Should Move the Thermostat All the Way Up
The speed at which your thermostat heats or cools your home is in no way related to its location (it only impacts temperature reading). Thermostats only let the HVAC know when to turn on based on your preferred room temperature.
A bigger HVAC system also doesn’t translate to maximum efficiency. It will only end up consuming a lot of energy and may even have a shorter lifespan.
10. DIY Maintenance is the Way to Go
Doing the HVAC maintenance yourself may save you some bucks but do you really know what to look out for? Do you have time to properly inspect the equipment? There’s also a chance that you’re too busy that you end up neglecting maintenance.
Hiring a qualified technician comes with benefits such as:
- They have the necessary training and expertise: they know how to install, repair and maintain your HVAC system so that it’s efficient.
- They are quick and reliable: they have all the necessary tools, which means that they get the job done faster.
- They are cost-effective in the long run: most homeowners end up buying DIY kits that end up breaking down after a couple of months. An HVAC technician will provide you with a long-term solution.
- Safe repairs: all services will be performed based on safety protocols, preventing unnecessary damage.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance Today!
More than half of all energy consumption in an American household goes towards heating and cooling expenses. To save energy and enhance efficiency, your HVAC system has to be well maintained. When your unit has a problem, do yourself a favor and disregard the above myths. DIY fixes may also cause further damages to it, so ensure you contact a certified technician.
Are you looking for a long-lasting solution to your HVAC troubles? We’re here to help! Contact us today for a customized quote.