In the world of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, there is a wealth of information that contractors, homeowners, HVAC repair specialists, and maintenance professionals process all the time. These can range from changing filters to reducing energy consumption, all of which can prove to be helpful when dealing with any HVAC issues. However, sometimes it’s hard to separate fact from fiction. With all the misconceptions floating around, we decided to debunk some of the most common myths so that you won’t be misguided.
Myth #1: You should buy the most expensive HVAC system you can afford
A lot of people believe that the more expensive an HVAC system is, the better it gets. The truth is you’re only paying for features that you don’t actually need. Getting an oversized unit will constantly cycle on and off, which would only reduce your HVAC’s lifespan. Still, the best option for you is to get a system that’s just big enough to accommodate your home.
Myth #2: Closing vents in unoccupied rooms saves you money
Apparently, closing vents in low-traffic areas of your home can save you money, but it can actually cause more problems for you over time. What people don’t realize is closed vents in any area of your home increases the overall air pressure throughout your entire house and adds unnecessary stress to your ductwork. It’s no different than putting your thumb over the spout of a garden hose to increase the amount of pressure on the flowing water.
Another side effect of this myth is that it makes one portion of your house warmer than the rest. By closing the vents, you’re cutting off all the cool air, making your system cycle longer in an effort to compensate. Leaving your vents open at all times is still the right thing to do if you want your HVAC system to function optimally.
Myth #3: You should keep your thermostat at a constant temperature at all times
Contrary to popular belief, you’re actually supposed to make minor adjustments to your thermostat every now and then. This depends on how warm or cool it is outside and around your home and how much activity there is in your home at the moment.
The important thing is to make gradual changes and give your HVAC system the time it needs to work. If it’s hot outside, then adjust your thermostat to lower a setting and vice versa. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of adjusting the temperature every now and then, then you might want to invest in a programmable thermostat for your convenience.
Myth #4: Air filters should only be changed once a year
Air filters are supposed to be cleaned regularly and definitely more frequently than once a year. Over time, your air filters accumulate a lot of dirt and pollutants, especially if your house has a lot of occupants or pets running around the house. Make it a habit to replace the filters with a new one and clean the old one as a replacement. In fact, changing the filters on a monthly basis is what most HVAC service professionals recommend.
Conclusion
Instead of falling prey to these myths, you should avoid doing them at all costs if you want your HVAC systems to work efficiently and to last a long time. Maintaining an HVAC system is a continuous process that every homeowner needs to deal with. If you’re unsure what steps to take in making sure your system is working properly, you can always ask for professional help so they can do all the maintenance for you.
Autumn Air is a family-owned company providing HVAC repair and replacement services for residential and commercial clients. Don’t get caught in the middle of an Alabama heatwave with a malfunctioning air conditioning unit. Our HVAC services in Pelham, AL, will make sure your AC units are working efficiently at all times. Contact us today to request a service!