With home heating and cooling systems becoming standard for any modern-day house, it’s no surprise that homeowners have a lot of questions about them. As you jump online to do some research, it’s important to be careful about falling victim to some of the most common HVAC myths out there. Below, we’ll describe some of these common myths and help debunk them so that you can have a better understanding of how your HVAC system operates.
Myth #1: Bigger Is Better
Probably one of the biggest myths about HVAC systems is that getting a bigger system is always better. While that may hold true for other aspects of life, it definitely doesn’t when it comes to your heating or cooling system. In reality, if you purchase a heating or cooling system that is too large for your home, it will essentially short-cycle, which is frequently turning on and off. This will lead to issues, like uneven temperatures in your home, a higher-than-normal humidity level, excessive wear and tear on your unit, and so much more. Even worse, you’ll pay more out of pocket to purchase a larger unit that operates more inefficiently than if you had purchased a unit that is sized correctly for your home.
It’s always best to consult one of our professional technicians to determine the appropriate-size heating or cooling unit for your household. This will ensure proper system operation, enhanced comfort and a long lifespan for your new system. Plus, you can rest assured that you’re not paying more out of pocket to purchase your new system than is actually necessary.
Myth #2: Closing Vents Saves Money
Another huge myth is that closing vents in rooms of your home that you don’t regularly use can help to decrease your heating and cooling costs. While this may seem logical on the surface, it’s important to understand how your HVAC ducting works to understand why closing vents isn’t a good idea.
Any modern-day-ducted HVAC system is specifically designed to have balanced airflow throughout your entire home. If you close a vent in one or more rooms, it will affect the airflow and pressure inside your ductwork. This can put more stress on the blower compartment for your system, leading to a higher risk of experiencing a breakdown, decreased lifespan of the unit and higher energy bills.
Even worse, that excess pressure can cause any small leaks in your ductwork to get bigger. This will reduce your indoor air-quality level, your indoor comfort, and further increase your energy bills as your HVAC system has to run longer to adequately get your home to your desired temperature. It’s simply best to ensure all your air vents stay open so that your HVAC system can operate efficiently and effectively.
Myth #3: Maintenance Is Optional
Another myth that you surely don’t want to fall victim to is thinking that HVAC maintenance is optional. While maintenance for other aspects of your home might be optional, when it comes to your heating and cooling systems, it’s an absolute must. Routine maintenance ensures that your systems are working as efficiently as possible, so you don’t end up overpaying for your heating or cooling bills throughout the year, and the indoor temperature is comfortable for everyone in your house.
Most HVAC system manufacturers make it a requirement for homeowners to get annual maintenance from a certified technician to maintain the warranty coverage on their unit. If you fail to show proof of routine maintenance services, the manufacturer may deny any future warranty repair requests you submit. This could leave you unexpectedly paying out of pocket for future repairs.
Myth #4: You Should Change Your Air Filter Annually
Your heating and cooling system’s air filter is responsible for collecting unwanted airborne contaminants before they enter the internal components of the system. This filter is also great for enhancing your indoor air quality level, which can minimize the symptoms associated with allergies and asthma while you’re relaxing at home.
While a lot of maintenance gets done on an annual basis, your air filter isn’t one of them. Most homeowners should replace their air filter about every two to three months. The frequency of your filter replacements will be dependent on many different factors, like how many people are in your home, your cleaning habits, how many pets you have, the age of your ductwork, and so much more.
We strongly suggest you check your filter once a month to see if it needs to be replaced. You can do this by holding it up to a light and looking through the filter. If you can see through the filter, you still can use it for a while longer. However, if you can’t see through the filter anymore, it’s time for a replacement. You should always aim to have at least one extra filter on hand so that you can do a replacement whenever it’s necessary.
Myth #5: High-Rated HEPA Air Filters Are Best
If you’re like many other homeowners, you may experience issues with allergies, asthma and respiratory symptoms. One key recommendation is to invest in an air filter with a high rating. All HVAC air filters use the MERV rating scale, with a higher rating translating to better filtering capabilities.
If you’re tired of dealing with allergy symptoms at home, you may think you need to invest in the highest-rated filter that you can find. In reality, that’s not the best option. Residential HVAC systems are capable of handling filters with a MERV rating up to around 13. Anything higher than that, which gets a HEPA rating, typically won’t work in a residential system.
These higher-rated filters don’t work well in residential setups because they don’t allow for adequate airflow. Air filters with a MERV rating above 14 are typically designed for industrial heating and cooling units. These units have more power, which can push an optimal airflow through the filter that a residential AC or heating unit simply can’t.
If you try to run a high-rated filter in your residential HVAC system, you will notice a variety of problems. These include things like decreased airflow, excessive wear and tear on your equipment and decreased indoor comfort.
Myth #6: Duct Tape Can Seal Up Ductwork
Another common HVAC myth that might make sense on the surface is that duct tape can be used to seal up ductwork. In reality, it actually can’t. Standard duct tape doesn’t expand and contract with changes in temperature. This is why it’s necessary to use a professional foil-back tape, as it’s specifically designed for ductwork.
This foil tape will expand and contract with the changes in your ductwork’s temperature without losing its adhesive ability. It’s always a good idea to seal up any noticeable air leaks in your exposed ducting to boost the operating efficiency of your HVAC system.
Helpful HVAC Installation Service
Air Care Heating & Cooling offers helpful HVAC installation service for the Shawnee, KS, community. We can also assist with all your HVAC replacement, repair and maintenance needs. Call us today to book your next service appointment with one of our knowledgeable HVAC technicians.
