As a busy professional, you may not have time to wade through the internet to diagnose and repair your Palm City, FL, HVAC system. Even if you do have time to research, you are bound to find some misinformation on the internet. Let’s take a look at some common myths about HVAC systems and replace them with the truth.
Thermostat Settings and Placement Myths
A common myth regarding thermostat settings is that you should set your system to one consistent temperature. The rationale for this is that it takes more energy to heat or cool to a different temp than to maintain a constant one. While this sounds logical, it is unfortunately false.
It takes significantly less energy to adjust temperatures to comfortable levels when needed than it does to maintain one temperature constantly. Programmable thermostats allow you to adjust temperatures as needed, allowing for less energy use when no one is home or during sleeping hours.
Another myth is that placement of the thermostat doesn’t really matter. Your HVAC system will heat and cool until your thermostat reaches the desired temperature. If your thermostat is not centrally located, is in direct sunlight or near windows and doors that leak air, you will most likely experience reduced efficiency and uneven heating and cooling.
Duct Tape Seals Ducts
This myth also seems very plausible, but unfortunately duct tape isn’t a good product for sealing ducts. If your ducts are leaking, it is best to hire a pro to seal them. If you are attempting to seal ductwork yourself, the best option to do so is mastic sealant.
Bigger is Better
When it comes to HVAC systems, bigger isn’t always better. Oversize systems often exhibit short cycling, a phenomenon where the system starts up, quickly heats or cools and shuts down again, only to start back up again shortly. This frequent on-off-on cycle is harmful to the system and may lead to reduced system life and excessive repair calls.
Short cycling is also very inefficient, as it requires more energy to start a larger system than it does to keep a smaller, right-sized one running. This leads to higher utility bills.
Space Heaters Save Money
If you’re using portable heaters to save money, you may be successful in using them as a replacement for your furnace. But if you’re using them to supplement your furnace, you’re increasing energy consumption.
Gas heating is much more energy-efficient than electric. If you’re using electric space heaters to supplement your furnace, it’s time to call in the pros to find out why your home isn’t heating properly.
Denser Air Filters Are Better
While it seems like a good idea to make the switch from a standard air filter to a denser HEPA filter to remove more contaminants, it may cause a system-impacting airflow reduction that will make you regret that decision. HEPA filters will also clog faster, making reduced airflow an even bigger problem.
Windows Leak Conditioned Air
Many people believe that windows are the greatest source of heating and cooling loss in a home. This could be the case in some houses, but in most, it’s much more likely that heated or cooled air is escaping through the roof. Typically, air leaks and inadequate insulation in the walls and roof account for about half of all heating and cooling loss.
Fan Cooling Myths
Some people believe that box fans and ceiling fans help to cool rooms while you are away. In reality, although fans can make a room seem cooler because of their wind-chill effect, they don’t provide any cooling themselves.
Another fan myth is that ceiling fans are only used for cooling. As heat rises, your ceiling fan can return it from the ceiling to the rest of the room. Flip the direction switch on your fan to use it in cooler seasons to move heat throughout the room.
Heating and cooling issues can be tough to tackle on your own. Reach out to us at Grimes Heating & Air Conditioning today to discuss our HVAC installation and maintenance plans.
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