To enjoy the lovely summer season to the fullest in Prattville, AL, one of the things you have to do is make sure that your HVAC system’s function is optimal and that it’s keeping your whole family comfortable. Unfortunately, there are certain HVAC myths that can keep you from achieving that. Keep reading to discover some that may sound familiar.
1. A Bigger HVAC Unit Is Better
Getting a bigger HVAC system can make you a lot more uncomfortable than you think. Before installing an HVAC system, one of the most important steps that an HVAC professional performs is to accurately size the new system. A variety of factors are considered, such as size of the home, heat gain through windows and orientation of the home.
When your HVAC unit is too large for your home, for instance, one of the issues you might have to deal with besides additional heating costs is short-cycling. Short-cycling results in the system shutting off before all rooms have been heated or cooled to the temperature called for by the thermostat. The system also won’t run long enough to remove moisture from the air, making it actually feel warmer than it really is.
2. You Can Fix Minor Air Duct Leaks With Duct Tape
Although duct tape always seems like a great solution to many issues in a home, it’s a bad idea when it comes to sealing air ducts. The product usually peels when it’s used on the duct surface, which means that it’s not effective. If your HVAC ductwork has a leak, an experienced HVAC technician will be needed to seal them professionally.
You should not attempt to fix any HVAC issue by yourself unless you’re a trained technician. DIY repairs can lead to a host of problems, which include expensive subsequent repairs and accidents.
3. If an HVAC System Isn’t Broken, a Professional Is Unnecessary
Many people only think about their heating and cooling systems when they run into problems. A professional HVAC technician is needed even when your system seems to be working fine to maintain its optimal performance throughout the year.
Failing to schedule regular HVAC maintenance is one of the top reasons why HVAC systems break down and need expensive repairs. If you want your system to be efficient, avoid expensive repairs and high utility bills, be sure you have a professional maintain your system at least once a year, preferably twice, once in the spring and once in the fall.
4. Turning Off the HVAC System When You’re Not at Home Saves Energy
Unless you’re planning on staying away from home for an extended period, you shouldn’t switch off your HVAC system. When you switch off the unit before going to work, for instance, and then switch it back on when you return, it has to run longer to regain the right temperature. This will lead to higher energy consumption.
If you want to save energy, you can set your thermostat to a temperature that is roughly 8 to 10 degrees warmer than your ideal temperature during the summer. A good programmable thermostat can help you do this by allowing you to specify the time you leave the house and the time you return.
When you indicate the time, the device automatically raises the temperature when you leave and lowers it before you return home. Besides feeling comfortable when you get home, you’ll save money on energy bills.
5. A Denser or Larger Air Filter Is the Best Option
A denser air filter can make things worse for you. It might seem prudent to replace the standard one-inch filter with a denser one to catch more air particles. Unfortunately, doing so can lower your airflow and hurt your system in many ways.
For instance, your unit may struggle to pull air through the filter, leading to higher utility costs and possibly repairs to your system. You should use the MERV-rated filter recommended by your HVAC manufacturer. If you’re unsure what type of filter you should be using, let a professional HVAC technician recommend the right one for you.
There are many HVAC myths today, but these are some of the most common ones. If you haven’t been taking care of your HVAC system properly due to a wrong piece of information you’ve heard, this is the right time to contact our experts at Sensigreen Heating, Cooling & Insulation today for expert HVAC maintenance, repair and installation services.
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