2017 is going to be better than 2016, and that’s because of the knowledge you’re about to gain from this blog post. We come across far too many HVAC owners who either don’t know a lot about their HVAC system, or believe false information. As HVAC experts, we feel obligated to share as much information with our customers as possible to make sure the experience they have with their HVAC is a good one.
In this blog, we’ll go over some HVAC myths and misconceptions that you should leave in 2016. Take the information in this blog, and use it to create a more comfortable and efficient HVAC experience this year!
Myth 1: Air Filters Don’t Matter
The air filter is a vital part of what makes your HVAC system efficient and effective throughout the year. The air filter helps fight indoor air pollution by drawing air pollutants out of the air that cycles through it. But that said, if you never replace your air filter, the one in your system will become overloaded with air pollutants, and cease to be effective.
If you’re not changing your air filters frequently, multiple times a year, you’re doing your HVAC system a disservice and hindering its ability to keep you comfortable.
Myth 2: HVAC Maintenance Has No Effect
Professional maintenance is one of the best things you can give your HVAC system, and the benefits are apparent in both long and short term scenarios. Through HVAC maintenance, you can immediately boost your unit’s energy efficiency and optimize its fuel usage. Those benefits extend over time as your system is able to exert less energy to operate, which leads to less wear and tear over time. If you can keep the negative effects of natural wear and tear at bay for years, you will see the effective life of your HVAC unit exceed expectations. With a long list of benefits, HVAC maintenance should not be considered anything other than a worthy investment.
Myth 3: Thermostat Use Impacts Heating & Cooling Speed
A lot of people think that turning the temperature on your thermostat really high or really low will cause your HVAC to heat or cool your home at a faster pace. That’s just entirely untrue. Most HVAC systems work at a single speed, and those that heat or cool at “multiple speeds” are designed around efficiency rather than actual speed. Furthermore, your thermostat can’t tell your HVAC system to “speed up” or “slow down,” it can only communicate what temperature you desire. Your heating or cooling unit will then act accordingly, independent of your desires regarding speed.
So be patient with your HVAC system, and use your thermostat for efficiency, not speed.
Myth 4: Closing Vents Saves Money
You may think that closing vents in areas of your home, where you do not need cool air, is a great way to save but you would be wrong. Your HVAC system has two blowers, a PSC and an ECM, that detect the level of air pressure and airflow in the ductwork. Those blowers operate based on readings taken inside your ductwork. If you close your vents, you increase the air pressure in your air ducts which restricts airflow. Once your HVAC reads the level of air pressure in your air ducts, the ECM blower increases the work rate to reach an optimal level of airflow. But, the PSC blower reduces it’s output because it see’s the higher air pressure. Neither of these is a good thing, especially when the readings are based on false information.
As a result of closing your vents, you will confuse your HVAC system on how to operate. That leads to increased wear and tear, energy waste, and sensors inside the ductwork that are no longer capable of taking correct readings. So in short, keep your vents open!
Myth 5: Fans Can Reduce HVAC Energy Use
A fan is a great household item, but it can only create the illusion of comfort. It will not keep you cool, and it will not save your HVAC from having to work as hard. Simply put, all a fan does is circulate air, it has no control over what temperature that air is. Thus, your fans can create a breeze within your home, which creates the illusion of a cool home, but the temperature will stay the same.
Empower Yourself With Lee’s Air in 2017
There’s simply too much misinformation out there regarding the HVAC industry, its services, and its products. We hope this blog has cleared some of that up for you and put you on the path to a happy, comfortable, year. Leave the myths in the past, and take on 2017 with valuable information!