Debunking the Most Common HVAC Industry Myths That Exist Today

Did you know that 46 percent of your home energy bill goes to heating and cooling?

Since air conditioning and heating involve a lot of complex equipment and processes, there are a lot of misconceptions that crop around it. You may end up making poor decisions about your HVAC system due to these myths and it can cost you your comfort, safety, and money.

If you want to increase your energy efficiency and the life expectancy of your HVAC system, here are some of the common myths you shouldn’t buy into as a smart homeowner:

Bigger is Better

When it comes to air conditioning and heating, having a bigger HVAC system isn’t always better. Larger systems may only cause more problems. If you install a large unit that’s disproportionate to your property, it will continuously cycle on and off, creating humid conditions inside your home.

This misguided installation can reduce system efficiency by 30% as well as increase your residential HVAC costs. You may also experience problems with your ducts and have poor air distribution.

You should measure the size of your HVAC system against the size of your property before buying. An HVAC professional can help you with this.

Maintaining a Temperature is Cheaper

Another misconception is that heating a cold room during winter is more expensive compared to when you maintain it at a consistent temperature. This process involves setting your thermostat at one level and leaving it as it is all day and night.

If the myth was true, you may not need programmable thermostats. What’s more, you’ll be paying for cooling and heating costs when you really don’t need it, like when out at work or in bed.

A professional HVAC company like Schneidermechanical.com will always advise you to use a smart thermostat to save money. It’ll ensure you have your HVAC on at the times when you need it and off when you don’t.

Fixing Duct Leaks with a Duct Tape

While it’s called duct tape; this doesn’t mean that it can fix your damaged or leaking duct. Duct tapes can become hot and melt, becoming a potential fire hazard. What’s more, it can damage your fittings and furnishings.

Instead of duct tape, your local HVAC company will use special types of foil tape for more permanent fixes.

Windows are the Biggest Loss of Heat and Cool Air

While windows allow hot and cool air to escape from a room quickly, they aren’t the main source of loss. Your ceiling and roof are the main culprits of indoor heat and cool air loss. Since hot air rises, most households can lose about half of their heat from leaking ceilings or roofs and poor insulation.

This is why you should pay extra attention to ensure your roof has adequate insulation and proper maintenance. You can then check the caulking around your windows.

Routine Maintenance of an HVAC System isn’t Necessary

Just like you take your cars in for regular inspections, you should consider doing the same for your HVAC system. Your system tends to collect dust, dirt, and moisture that clog the ducts over time, bringing down its life expectancy. Ignoring HVAC maintenance can make your system to overwork, making you live in discomfort and spend more money on repairs.

Regular checkups and cleaning by the local HVAC company can help your system run at peak performance and prolong its lifespan. It can also save you a lot of money.

Portable Heaters Save Money

While they may be good at heating small areas, portable heaters aren’t as cost-efficient as a whole HVAC system. What’s more, most portable units take a while to sufficiently heat a particular space. This leads to more energy used in the long run. Since an HVAC system covers your whole home, it’s more effective and saves you money.

Switching to Full Power Leads to Quicker Heating or Cooling

When you come home to a cold house, it may be tempting to crank up the thermostat in the hopes of warming up your house faster. This may not work since your HVAC tends to work at the same speed whether you set your thermostat to 20C or 30C. You may end up wasting a lot of power.

Simply set your thermostat to a sensible room temperature. This will achieve the desired temperature faster and for longer.

Closing Vents Saves Money

Although closing off the vents to save energy and money may seem to make sense, it tends to deliver the exact opposite results. All it does is reroute the airflow, meaning the air will arrive at a different point. Since your HVAC system is specially designed for your home, closing the vents can cause unbalanced airflow and pressure build-up in the ducts.

If left unchecked, it can lead to several problems, including leaks. Ensure to check around your home and open any closed vents to promote seamless airflow.

The Location of the Thermostat Doesn’t Make a Difference

Your thermostat is like the brain of your HVAC system and plays a crucial role in controlling your home’s climate. That’s why its placement is very important.

If you place your thermostat near vents, drafty windows, or in direct sunlight, you can get inaccurate readings that may make the unit run longer or shorter than necessary. This can increase your monthly utility bills or decrease the lifespan of your system.

HVAC Industry Myths Busted!

Now that you know the truth about the HVAC industry, you can choose a local company that suits your needs. Ask for referrals or look for reviews in your local area to get a reliable HVAC technician. You should also continue educating yourself about the system you have so that you can make better decisions about home’s indoor comfort.

To learn more about HVAC, read our blog posts.