HVAC systems are complicated pieces of equipment. As such, there are a lot of misconceptions about how these units work, how effective they are, and how to care for them. This article will discuss some of the most common HVAC myths and the truths behind them.

Myth #1: Close off vents in unused rooms

It’s one of the tempting HVAC myths, to close vents in rooms that we don’t use. It seems like this would save on energy costs. However, this is almost always a bad idea. Closing off your vents allows for excess air pressure and trapped humidity or condensation within your ductwork. Along the same lines, make sure that you don’t cover any vents with furniture as this will create problems both for the furniture and your supply lines.

Myth #2: Bigger is better

Bigger is always better right? When it comes to HVAC units that’s not the case. In fact, if you choose too large of a unit for your space it can be a source of energy loss. HVAC units have ideal cycle settings that help them maintain high energy efficiency. If your unit is too large it will turn on and off more frequently reducing its effectiveness. It isn’t only the square footage of the home that determines the size of the HVAC unit you need. So, have a professional look at your home and help you decide what unit is best for you.

Myth #3: Thermostat location isn’t important

You might not think that the placement of your thermostat is important. After all, all you use it for is choosing the temperature you want set for your home, but this piece of equipment also tells your HVAC unit what temperature the house is currently at. This determines how much more heat or air conditioning it needs to provide to reach your ideal temperature. If the thermostat is placed near any opening, such as windows or doors to the exterior, this will affect the temperature it senses. The thermostat should also be placed near the return register and not near any supply vents for the same reason.

Myth #4: HVAC is only important for personal comfort

The reason we use air conditioning and heating is for our own comfort throughout the year, but we are not the only ones who benefit from it. Houses also need to have ventilation and low humidity. If you are going on vacation, don’t turn your thermostat off. You can change it by about 10° up or down depending on the season, but this will keep humidity in check and allow the home to breathe while you are away.

Myth #5: Change filters once per year

Changing air filters is something that everyone knows they need to do, but it’s something that is frequently overlooked. The out of sight, out of mind aspect plays a big role in this, but the air quality in your home and the effectiveness of your HVAC unit is highly affected by these air filters. Change your air filter once every three months to increase air quality and the efficiency of your unit. An easy way to remember to change your filters is to do it with each new season. This is one of the HVAC myths you can easily stay on top of.

Myth #6: Extreme changes in the temperature is fine

You may have heard never turn up or down your thermostat by more than 10°, however that may be too much. It’s really recommended not to change the temperature in your home by more than 3° and anything beyond this won’t make your unit work any faster to reach the new temperature. Change the temperature by 3°, wait approximately an hour for that to take effect, and then change it more if needed.

Myth #7: Seal windows and doors for energy efficiency

Gaps around doors and windows are easily noticeable and obvious places of energy loss within our homes. However, these are not the most common energy loss spots in a house. The attic and roof structure are the main factors in energy efficiency. If you don’t have enough insulation or have openings into your attic that are not properly sealed, you will lose a lot of your efficiency through the roof. Investing in additional insulation where needed can make a big impact on your energy bill.

HVAC units have a lot of moving parts and require expertise when maintaining and servicing. Make sure that you have your unit regularly maintained to extend its life and keep you comfortable all year long. Don’t fall for many HVAC myths. If you have questions, give us a call we would love to get to know you and keep your family comfortable all year.