The 5 Biggest HVAC Myths
Have an HVAC system? You’ve probably picked up tricks and tips over the years on how to get the most out of it. You might have been advised by your parents, neighbor, or even the last maintenance guy you had around. However, these tricks you’ve learned might do more harm than good.
It’s challenging to know what facts about HVAC are true, so we’re here to debunk five of the biggest myths about HVAC and ensure you can keep your system running to peak performance as long as possible.
1. You Only Need To Change Your Filter Once A Year
If you’ve only been changing your filter once every year, you might be in for a bit of a shock. Many people believe this myth to be true, and you can’t blame them. Changing a filter only once a year sounds completely believable. The thing is, it’s not true and can cause damage to your HVAC system and to your health.
A dirty filter bogs down the system, allowing nasty things to enter your home's environment. Changing your filter every 30 days or so is a good idea. You may consider changing the filter even more regularly if you have pets. Clean filters help prevent dust, dirt, hair, allergens, and other small particles from entering your home – which will help you breathe easier and let your system do its job more efficiently.
2. The Bigger Your HVAC System Is, The Better
Unfortunately, bigger isn’t always better, especially when it comes to an HVAC system. In fact, if your system is too large for your home, it will be more of a hassle to maintain, and it won’t keep your home as cool as it should.
If your HVAC is too large for your home, it may struggle to remove humidity – causing moisture to stay in your house, which means it’ll be more susceptible to mold and mildew issues. So it’s imperative to have a professional scope out and fit your home with an HVAC system that’s the perfect size.
3. Your HVAC System Doesn’t Need Maintenance Unless It’s Broken
Do you wait until your car breaks down on the side of the road to call a mechanic? No, of course not. You go to your mechanic for regular check-ups and services to ensure your car is in excellent condition. The same should happen with your HVAC system.
It’s essential to get your HVAC system inspected regularly. If you don’t get it looked at regularly, you might run into more significant problems down the line that could turn into expensive fixes or even lead to the need for a replacement.
By getting your HVAC system checked and maintained by an HVAC service technician, you’ll have a better chance of catching any problems before they become major issues that could cost more to rectify.
4. Air Leaks Are Easy To Find
You would think an air leak should be easy to spot around your home, but sometimes even larger leaks are hard to find.
You might not notice a leak in your HVAC system during day-to-day use, but leaks waste energy and make your system incredibly inefficient, which means a high electricity bill at the end of the month. No one wants that!
Remember to ask your service technician to check for leaks the next time you get a regular maintenance check-up to ensure that your HVAC system won’t run into any problems in the future and continues to run smoothly and efficiently.
5. The Best Way To Heat/Cool Your Home Is To Adjust The Thermostat
Thermostats are simply regulators that send instructions to your HVAC system. They let the unit know when to turn on and off, and they let it know what temperature you’d like your room to be set. If your HVAC or heating unit doesn't reach the desired temperature, it's a sign there might be an issue that needs to be fixed by a technician.