You want the most out of your HVAC system during a chilly fall night to keep your home warm and comfortable. An HVAC system accounts for a large portion of your energy bills in Severna Park, MD. As such, it’s essential to avoid falling prey to HVAC myths so that you can save money. The following are some common HVAC myths and the facts to debunk them:
The Bigger the HVAC System, the Better
Many homes have oversized HVAC systems. This creates a perception that a bigger system heats and cools the house better. The truth is that an oversized HVAC system will cost money to operate and shortens its lifespan because it works harder than usual to maintain comfortable home temperatures. This workload places a considerable amount of stress on the system’s vital components. As a result, this increases the possibility of issues that can lead to costly repairs.
The Thermostat’s Location Doesn’t Affect Your HVAC System
Thermostat placement can make a massive difference in the functionality of your HVAC system. When you place your thermostat too close to windows, vents and radiators, it may force the HVAC system to run for too long or shut down prematurely. It’s advisable to place your thermostat at a central location in your home so that it doesn’t affect heating and cooling.
Contrary to the common myth that you should maintain a constant thermostat temperature throughout, it’s best to make minor temperature adjustments on your thermostat often. The adjustments will depend on the temperatures around and outside your home and the activity levels in your house. If you’re tired of adjusting thermostat temperature settings, install a programmable thermostat for added convenience.
You Only Need to Change Filters Annually
Your HVAC filters are vital in protecting your home from contaminants like dust, pollen and dirt. That’s why it’s necessary to change the filters at least every two months. Dirty filters restrict airflow through the HVAC system, forcing it to work harder than it should, which can cause breakdowns.
Dirty filters also affect air quality. Change your filters monthly if you have respiratory conditions, allergies or pets in your home. The dander and hair from your pets can quickly accumulate and clog your air filters.
Closing Vents in Unoccupied Rooms Saves Money
Vents distribute air from your HVAC system. While you may think that closing vents in the empty rooms in your home diverts more air to other rooms and saves on energy costs, that’s not the case. The HVAC system has zoning that ensures that each room gets the ideal amount of circulated air. But closing vents increases the pressure that could cause air duct leaks.
Another adverse effect of this myth is that closing vents in empty rooms makes a portion of your home warmer than the others. You cut off all the cold air after closing the vents, so your HVAC cycles longer to compensate. It’s best to leave the vents open throughout to ensure optimal functionality of the HVAC system.
Routine HVAC Maintenance Is Unnecessary
Your HVAC system benefits from annual tune-ups. If you’re tempted to overlook the next routine HVAC maintenance to save money, think about the negative impacts on your system and the potential repair and replacements costs. Regular maintenance is necessary because it allows the service technician to spot and repair minor problems before they escalate into costly issues.
Using HVAC Systems in Short Bursts Save Money
The reality is that HVAC systems use the most energy during the first three to five minutes after switching them on. If you keep turning the system on and off, they ultimately use more energy than necessary, which can increase your monthly energy bills. It’s best to leave the system to run uninterrupted.
Try to avoid these HVAC myths if you want your system to last longer and function efficiently. Call Coastal Heating & Air Conditioning Co., Inc. today to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled and experienced HVAC repair, installation and maintenance professionals.
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