HVAC Tips: Common Myths vs HVAC Facts
Whether it is the middle of summer or winter, you want to get the most out of your HVAC system throughout the entire year. There are a lot of HVAC tips about how to run your HVAC work in your home floating around. Most of these HVAC tips are ineffective at best, sometimes can be harmful, and even confusing. It can be easy to believe some of these myths, especially when we think they possibly may help save you money on energy bills. Below, we discuss common HVAC myths and offer HVAC tips so you can learn how to make better choices for your HVAC system and home.
Myth 1: Routine Maintenance Is Not Needed
Routine maintenance is not only necessary, but critically important to keep your HVAC system performing properly and efficiently. There are many components that make up an HVAC system and you should make sure everything is in optimal working condition year after year. While furnace repair or AC repair is not always needed, routine maintenance ensures minor issues do not turn into costly HVAC repairs. Furthermore, regular furnace and AC maintenance willhelp extend the lifespan of your system and stay as energy efficient as possible. Keep in mind, while you are looking for an HVAC professional to make sure they are trained, licensed, and have all the proper insurance and coverage.
Myth 2: You Only Need to Change Your Filters Once A Year
It is important to change your filters much more often than only once a year. Changing the filter is something you can do yourself in between professional maintenance visits. The air filters are the first line of defense against dirt, dust and other contaminants that can circulate through your HVAC system and home. Dirty or clogged air filters can restrict airflow and make your HVAC system work harder potentially leading to a complete system breakdown. Furthermore, dirty filters will also negatively affect the air quality in your home. To keep your air clean and system working as energy efficient as possible change or clean your filters at least monthly. It is important to inspect and change often, especially if you have pets or anyone in your home suffers from asthma,allergies, or any other respiratory ailments.
Myth 3: Ceiling Fans Reduce Room Temperature
Turning on your ceiling fan will improve your comfort by what is called the wind chill effect, but it does not actually reduce indoor air temperature. If you are running a ceiling fan, you can decrease the thermostat a few degrees and in that way, they can help you save money.However, do not leave a ceiling fan in a room no one is using, because you will be wasting energy. The comfort created by a ceiling fan is only effective if there is someone in the room to feel it.
Myth 4: Turning Your Thermostat A Lot Lower or Higher Will Make It Reach Desired Temperature Faster
The truth is HVAC systems are on or off and there is no speed. When you set your thermostat to a certain temperature, your HVAC will run until it gets to that set temperature. By setting your thermostat to a much lower or higher temperature, you are making your HVAC system work harder and longer, wasting energy and money. Your thermostat does not determine how hard your furnace or AC works, only ensures they run long enough to reach the desired indoor temperature.
Myth 5: Thermostat Location Does Not Matter
The location of your thermostat is essential because it turns your heating or cooling system on depending on indoor temperature. It is vital your thermostat obtains accurate readings of the indoor temperature, but unfortunately various things can affect the reading. If the thermostat is in direct sunlight or in the kitchen, it might get too hot quickly and read too hot. On the other hand, if it is placed near a vent, it might read a cooler temperature.
Myth 6: Closing Vents Will Help Save You Money
You might think closing a vent in a room means you will waste less energy. By doing so, it can cost you more because you are disrupting your home’s airflow. Closing vents will make your system work harder to distribute air, leading to wasted energy and even possible equipment failure. When you close vents you change the air pressure and circulation through your HVAC system. Closed vents will increase the pressure in the ducts, increasing the risk for air leaks. Your HVAC system including ductwork is designed to work together in a balanced way. Closing off doors to unused rooms will also restrict airflow and cause your system to work harder. It is best to leave vents and doors open, to avoid any issues that may arise because of airflow restriction. If you need to control the amount of air for different parts of your home, consider installing a zoning system instead a better option to help save you money.
Myth 7: Turning Your System On and Off Will Help Reduce Energy Consumption
Turning your HVAC system on and off multiple times will actually consume more energy. You can invest in a programmable thermostat to set it to lower settings when you are away from home. This means setting to a higher temperature in summer or a lower temperature in the winter. Some may believe this will cause your system to work harder to reach the desired temperature when you get home from work. However,the amount of energy you save by adjusting your thermostat during the day, is significantly more than the energy consumed by your system to reach the desired energy in the evening. If you are worried about arriving to an uncomfortable home, a programmable or smart thermostat can help. You can program it to turn to your desired temperature an hour before you are home, that way you are reducing energy consumption and it is easier on your system.
Myth 8: Bigger Is Always Better
It may seem logical that a system with a larger capacity would be the best. However, the truth is an oversized system can cause some serious issues. If you have an oversized system, it will cool the house down too quickly and cycle on and off rapidly. It might not seem like a disadvantage, but this is called short cycling which causes 3 main issues. A short cycling system will run less efficiently, shorten the lifespan of your system, and can lead to costly repairs or catastrophic breakdowns. Keep in mind as well, that your HVAC system is also responsible to removing humidity as well. Running short cycles will not allow the system to adequately remove humidity from the air leaving you uncomfortable or cause worse issues such as mold growth. Instead consult with an HVAC professional to see what size system is best fit for your home.
Myth 9: An Old HVAC System is as Good as A New System
If you have been waiting to replace your HVAC system, it may be time to see how much technology has changed. New HVAC systems are incredibly energy-efficient allowing you to save money on energy bills, easier to operate, and less prone to breakdowns. Furthermore,older systems may use parts no longer readily available resulting in costly repairs. Rather than continuing to run an inefficient older system past its prime, consider replacing it with new HVAC system.
Give Us A Call
Contact LA Construction Heating and Air for more information or to schedule an appointment for AC repair, HVAC maintenance or HVAC replacement in Los Angeles give us a call at 818-341-3406 or contact us online. We can help you save money and stay comfortable in your home year-round.
