Do you know what type of maintenance should be done yearly on any heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system? Are you certain of when it’s time to call in a professional?
There is so much information out on the market these days, it has become difficult to decipher which arguments to consider. Here are 10 common myths about home HVAC systems and the truth behind each:
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- Air filters don’t need to be changed on a regular basis. This statement is the opposite of the truth. It is very important for you to change air filters, not only for efficiency but also for your budget.
- Turning an air conditioner off when leaving the home or office is counter-productive, as it requires more energy when you fire it up again. Whenever the HVAC system is not running, it saves you money. Purchasing a programmable thermostat can assist with this, as it can control the times the system is running or not running.
- A thermostat’s location does not affect heating and cooling. If a thermostat is located near a sunny window or near other heat sources, it can provide an inaccurate reading for a home, so it is important to note the location and its temperature reading.
- Closing the vents in unused rooms can save you money. This can actually cost you more money because it can throw off the balance of your system.
- Routine maintenance of an HVAC system is not necessary. Absolutely not true. You should always schedule routine maintenance to keep your system running smoothly. It’s best to do a checkup in the fall before colder temperatures come to town and in the spring before warmer temperatures arrive.
- Fiberglass insulation alone keeps cold air out. Rather, it does a good job of keeping the heat in. It’s always best to know how much insulation is throughout your home and what you can do to improve insulation.
- Ceiling fans cool a room when you’re not home. Fans cool your skin, not the air. They don’t actually lower the temperature of a room, but they can help circulate the air throughout your home, which may improve your air conditioner’s performance.
- Energy-efficient furnace air conditioners will automatically reduce an energy bill. Even the best systems can cost more money if they are not properly installed or sized correctly for your home.
- Duct tape is good for sealing ducts. It doesn’t always work well in dirty or dusty conditions, and air ducts are usually dirty and dusty.
- The colder you set your thermostat, the faster your house will cool down. Air conditioners deliver cold air at the same rate, despite how low the thermostat is set. The same applies to furnaces and heating. Adjusting the temperature when you are not home or when you are sleeping helps save energy and money.
Everybody is looking for ways to cut costs these days. Using energy more efficiently around the house is important, but can require a little research for the right answers. Do your homework, ask a professional, and debunk the myths. A smooth-running system keeps your family comfortable year-round.
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