There are a lot of myths floating around about heating and cooling systems that simply aren’t true. Falling for these myths can have huge impacts on your HVAC, including its energy usage and maintenance requirements. It can also influence indoor comfort levels in multiple ways. For this reason, debunking HVAC misconceptions is crucial.
Myth 1: Bigger Units Are Always Better
Don’t let anyone ever fool you into thinking a bigger HVAC unit is always better. HVAC sizing is one of the most essential parts of setting up a new system. If you install a system that is too big, it will cycle on and off all the time, wasting energy and causing unnecessary wear. A system that is too small will stay on around the clock as it struggles to keep the home comfortable, causing it to waste energy and suffer extreme wear. We will take several factors into account, like square footage, insulation, number of windows and more, when doing a new HVAC installation to ensure it is the right size for your house.
Myth 2: You Should Set Your Thermostat as High or Low as Possible
You might think that setting the thermostat to the highest or lowest temperature possible is the best way to heat or cool a home. But in all actuality, HVAC systems aim to heat and cool by maintaining a steady temperature instead of racing toward extreme settings. If you set the thermostat too high or too low, it causes extra stress on the equipment and doesn’t heat or cool the home any faster. This can lead to premature replacements and repairs as well as breakdowns that leave the home dangerously cold or hot. Instead of extreme settings, strive for a steady, moderate temperature the system can effectively sustain.
Myth 3: Closing Vents Saves Energy
Some people close air vents in unused rooms throughout their homes to save energy. They believe closing the vents will force air to other parts of the house. However, this can create pressure imbalances throughout the system, causing it to work harder. If there are parts of your house that you don’t want to heat or cool, you should have a zoned system installed. This lets you effectively control airflow in different parts of the home according to different temperature preferences. You’ll not only save energy but also prevent unnecessary wear on the heating and cooling equipment.
Myth 4: Changing Air Filters Doesn’t Matter
Filter changes are one of the most important parts of HVAC maintenance. Dirty filters reduce airflow, causing equipment to work in overtime mode. This not only increases energy expenses but also hinders air quality. It also causes the HVAC to experience more frequent repairs and replacements. You might notice an increase in allergy and asthma symptoms too if you don’t keep the filters clean. Ideally, you should check them once every two to four weeks to know when to change them. Homes with pets often need to change the filters more often because of pet hair and dander.
Myth 5: Running Your HVAC Constantly Is Inefficient
You might have heard before that running an HVAC constantly will cause it to work inefficiently. However, many modern systems have design configurations that help them operate efficiently for extended periods. You don’t want a system that constantly cycles on and off. These systems endure more wear on their components and waste a lot of energy. Instead, it’s best to have a system that uses a programmable thermostat to run steadily with minimal cycling.
Myth 6: HVAC Maintenance Isn’t Necessary for New Systems
Falling for this myth can cost you a lot of money over the long run. If you recently installed a new heating or cooling system, it would need regular maintenance just like any other home appliance. We can inspect the system annually to monitor the wear and tear of its parts. By having us replace worn-out components, you’ll help the system last much longer and reduce inconvenient breakdowns.
Myth 7: Ceiling Fans Cool Down a Room
Using a ceiling fan is a great way to circulate air and help a room feel cooler, but it doesn’t create a cooler temperature. The only reason it feels cooler is because it moves air across the skin through its breeze effect, increasing evaporation. If you’re not using the fan the right way, it might have the opposite effect. When the blades rotate in a clockwise direction, it pushes warm air down and makes a room feel hotter than it is. If you want to cool down a specific room, we highly encourage using a zoned HVAC. You can easily achieve this type of cooling with a ductless system.
Myth 8: You Can Save Energy by Turning Off Your HVAC
You might find it tempting to shut off the HVAC when you leave for work or vacation to save energy. However, this strategy doesn’t usually save money on energy bills. It can cause extra stress on the equipment once you turn it back on because it works harder to get the home back to a comfortable temperature. Instead of turning off the system, it’s best to use a programmable thermostat with Wi-Fi connectivity. You can use the remote access feature to adjust the temperature to the most efficient level possible while you’re gone.
Myth 9: Programmable Thermostats Are Difficult to Use
Many of today’s newer technologies are difficult to use, but not programmable thermostats. There are multiple versions to choose from, with most having very easy-to-use interfaces. You’ll find it simple to adjust the temperature and set heating and cooling schedules. A lot of programmable thermostats even come with touchscreen and voice control abilities, making them even easier to use.
Myth 10: You Can’t Control Humidity With Your HVAC
Depending on your setup, your HVAC may be able to do a lot more than temperature control. A lot of today’s newer systems come with built-in humidifiers and dehumidifiers. These configurations make it possible to control indoor humidity levels, which can help with things like biological growth and air quality. If you’re not sure how to work your system’s humidity controls, we can teach you.
Myth 11: You Can’t Have Both Heating and Cooling in the Same System
Many homeowners are still unaware that they can have a single system for both heating and cooling. Heat pump systems, for example, provide year-round comfort. These systems operate by reversing their flow of refrigerant. During the winter, the flow provides heating. In the summer, it reverses and provides cooling. This flexibility means you don’t have to spend time and money maintaining two separate systems.
Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical is here to answer any questions you may have about HVAC myths. We excel in helping homeowners just like you make their homes more energy-efficient and comfortable with heating and cooling repair, installation and maintenance.
Contact Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical today to schedule professional HVAC services in Glendale, AZ.
