There is a great deal to learn when you’re a homeowner. In fact, whether you’re a new homeowner or a veteran of home ownership, chances are you uncover something new about your house and its HVAC system every week.
And that is a good thing! Still, there’s a great deal of conflicting information out there regarding HVAC systems, and sometimes it can cause confusion. This month, we’re going to separate HVAC fact from fiction and boost your homeownership knowledge!
Debunking Home Comfort Myths
Don’t be fooled this April 1. Here’s how to tell the truth between what’s real and what’s not when it comes to home comfort.
Myth #1: Upgrading to a larger HVAC unit is best.
Harrumph! If you believe this one, then we’ll need to call you an April Fool! When it comes to HVAC systems, size does matter. But bigger is not necessarily better. If you purchase a unit that is too large for your home, you’ll end up spending more money on energy and operating costs than necessary. Hiring a professional HVAC technician to take measurements and advise the right size for your home is crucial.
Myth #2: Cranking the thermostat down will cool your home quickly.
Are you guilty of turning that thermostat down really low when you first turn on the AC? Then we have one word for you—stop! Cranking the temperature too low isn’t going to cool your home quicker. And it’s not good for your system either. Instead, set the cooling temp to a comfortable number and let the system do its efficiency magic.
Myth #3: You only need to change air filters once a year.
Nope. The best way to avoid repeated air conditioning service, is to change your air filters every three months. Changing them once a year only makes your system work harder than necessary which can increase energy bills and impact your indoor air quality. Changing air filters is easy. But if you ever need assistance with air filtration, our pros are more than happy to help during your next AC tune-up!
Myth #4: Closing vents in unused rooms saves energy.
Believe it or not, closing vents will not save you money on your energy bill. And many homeowners are guilty of closing vents in rooms they don’t use. Even if you don’t use a particular room, you should still heat or cool it if it’s connected to your HVAC system. Otherwise, the air gets trapped in the air ducts and causes extra pressure that can lead to leaks in the ductwork. It may also cause overheating in the ducts and in some cases, damage the system’s components. It is much more energy-efficient to leave all vents open.
Myth #5: Regular HVAC maintenance is a waste of money.
Many homeowners only call for HVAC service when something breaks or goes wrong. At that point, depending on what needs fixing, you’re going to spend money. But the purpose of regular HVAC maintenance is to prevent those breakdowns from happening! Scheduling annual service twice year is the best way to keep your system in top shape, save money, prevent breakdowns, and have total peace of mind when it comes to your home comfort.
We’re Open Seven Days a Week—No Foolin’!
Don’t let your cooling system fool you into thinking it doesn’t need a spring AC tune-up! Even if it’s working fine when you turn it on this spring, a regular tune-up will ensure it stays working flawlessly all season. Call our pros today at 609.205.3813 or schedule online here.