5 Common Myths About HVAC Systems
A lot of misinformation circulates regarding the workings of home air conditioning and heating systems. These myths often cause difficulties for home and business owners interested in operating their heating and air systems in the most efficient manner possible. The following is a handful of the most common myths regarding HVAC systems, along with the truth concerning these myths.
1. Once a Year Filter Changes Are Sufficient
Dust, grime and other airborne particles make their way into your heating and cooling system daily. It is not difficult to imagine how much dirt can accumulate in a system that uses the same filter for an entire year. When filters are dirty, the airflow to the system becomes restricted and more work is needed for a heating and cooling system to do its job. Home and business owners who want to ensure their system operates efficiently while also enjoying the many benefits of clean air in their home should change their filters every three to four months.
2. The Larger the System, the Better
While it is easy to become enamored with a large and impressive-looking HVAC system, a system that is too large for the space you need to heat or cool down will cycle on and off repeatedly. This cycling will wear on your system after a while and cause you to spend additional money to control the temperature in your home. Oversized HVAC systems might also increase the humidity inside your home by not running long enough to eliminate moisture from the air.
It is a good idea to speak to a professional before deciding what size system is best for your home. Considerations include the climate you live in, the age of your home, the number of people living in your home and the size of your home.
3. Thermostat Location Is Unimportant
The thermostat is responsible for telling your heating and cooling system how hard and long it should work. The location of your thermostat will play a huge role in its success or failure at obtaining accurate temperature readings. A variety of circumstances can affect the temperature reading of the thermostat.
A thermostat placed in direct sunlight may register a temperature that is a bit warmer than the temperature in parts of the home. The same thing can happen if the thermostat is in a kitchen where the oven and stove will cause temperature increases in the space. The thermostat for your heating and cooling system may also register incorrect temperature reading when placed above a vent, door or window. Also, the hallways of your home are not an ideal place for a thermostat because air flows differently through these spaces. Hallways are also unoccupied for the majority of the day.
4. Closed Vents Save Energy
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that closing the vents to rooms in their homes means they will not have to pay for the energy it costs to heat and cool those spaces. But in some cases, interfering with the airflow in a home in this way will result in higher heating and cooling costs. This fact is especially true for homeowners with furnaces designed to provide heat based on a home’s square footage. Blocking the vents will increase the workload for these types of units.
Closed vents will cause additional problems when system ducts lack a proper seal. Cold air will leak through the ducts and make its way back to the rooms in your home. These leaks may also cause air to enter the room through windows and doors.
5. Professional Attention Is Only Needed When There Is a Problem
Most things work better and enjoy a longer time in use when they receive professional attention from time to time. So, it should not surprise you that this fact holds true with HVAC units. The heating and cooling system in your home consists of coils, belts, motors and many other parts. Your system needs each of these parts to work well and perform at optimal levels. Regular inspections and maintenance will also spare you the potential cost of a major repair by alerting you to minor problems before there is a chance for them to become more serious. Regular attention from a skilled and licensed technician will support both energy efficiency and longevity for your system.
B.A.C. Systems Inc. has served the heating and air conditioning needs of people in Long Island and surrounding areas since 2004. Individuals experiencing problems with their HVAC system can do no better for themselves than to give us a call at their earliest convenience. B.A.C. Systems Inc. also offers help with roofing, gutters and masonry issues.
