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From filter changing frequency to routine maintenance, there’s a ton of information out there about HVAC systems. Unfortunately, not everything that seems like common knowledge is true. We’re going to debunk some of the most common HVAC myths to help you get a better understanding of your Sacramento, CA, home’s HVAC system.
Professional Maintenance is Optional
There are some appliances in your home that don’t require much maintenance, such as your washing machine or dishwasher. You may think that scheduling professional maintenance for your HVAC system is optional. While it sounds like a beneficial idea, many homeowners don’t want to invest money in maintenance. For your HVAC system to be running in peak condition, its internal components need to be properly serviced.
Routine maintenance includes lubricating moving parts, checking electrical connections, and cleaning interior components. Many HVAC system manufacturers require that you have your system serviced by a licensed HVAC technician at least once a year. If you skip this appointment, it could void the remaining warranty coverage on your system.
The Bigger the Better
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to your HVAC system. If you purchase a system that is too big for your home, it’s not going to be efficient. When systems are too large, they’ll experience short cycling.
This happens when the system kicks on and off repeatedly. Your system won’t be able to do an adequate job, like removing humidity from your indoor air in the summertime. You’ll likely find that your comfort is worse with a system that’s too large compared to one that is an appropriate size for your home.
Duct Tape Use for Repairing Ductwork
While it may be convenient and affordable, duct tape isn’t an approved product for sealing up your ductwork. It can’t hold up to the ongoing air flow and temperature extremes that your equipment experiences. The tape will quickly deteriorate and become less effective. When it comes to repairing your ductwork, you need foil-based tape that is specifically designed for ductwork. This type of foil tape can handle all types of temperature extremes and is still effective at doing its job.
Fans Are Sufficient for Cooling Down a Room
While ceiling fans can play a very helpful role in keeping your energy bills down during the summer months, most people don’t realize the actual reason why they’re so effective. Fans work to create a breeze that moves downward. It doesn’t produce cold air. Rather, it creates a wind chill effect on your body. You’ll only be able to cool your home down so much when you’re just using ceiling fans. They’re an affordable investment, but you should consider using them along with a properly sized air conditioning system.
The Higher the MERV Rating, the Better
If you or someone living in your home has allergies or a respiratory condition, you may be considering upgrading your HVAC system’s air filter. Each air filter has a MERV rating, or minimum efficiency rating value. The higher the MERV rating, the more effective the filter is at removing unwanted particles from the air. While a high MERV rating is beneficial, it’s important to understand how it affects your system.
The higher the MERV rating a filter has, the harder it’s going to be for your HVAC system to force air through it. If you run a filter with a MERV rating higher than what your HVAC system manufacturer recommends, you could slow down the performance of your system. This leads to premature wear and tear on its components. You should always opt for filters that are within the recommended range given by your system’s manufacturer.
Opening Windows at Night Can Help Lower Your Energy Bills
Typically, during the hot summer months, it tends to get much cooler in the overnight hours. If you’re looking to save money on your energy bills, it’s tempting to open those windows and let that cool air in. While this may feel good at night when you go to bed, it can create a real problem in the morning regarding humidity.
Overnight, you’re letting humid air into your home. As the weather starts to heat back up in the morning and you shut your windows, you’re trapping that humid air indoors. Then, your HVAC system must combat trying to remove that excess humidity. It’s best to simply let your HVAC system do its job overnight and keep your windows closed for the most part.
Square Footage is an Accurate Determiner of HVAC System Size
When you need to have new HVAC equipment installed in your home, it can be easy to get caught up in the concept of square footage. While knowing the total square footage of your space can be extremely helpful, you should never rely on this one factor to determine the ideal size unit for your home.
Other factors need to be considered, such as your home’s layout, the types of windows that you have, your ceiling heights, and much more. A trained HVAC technician can help you determine the appropriate-sized unit for your new HVAC system. This will ensure optimal comfort as well as efficiency.
Air Filters Frequency Change
It can be easy to get into the mindset that your HVAC technician will take care of servicing your whole system each year. However, it’s important to realize that your system’s air filter needs changing more frequently than just once per year. Your air filter’s condition should be taken into consideration at least once per month and replaced if it’s full of particulates and debris. Make sure that you use the right-sized air filter to ensure that particulates are being removed adequately. Also, check the recommendation on your filter to see how frequently the manufacture suggests using a new filter. Most filters recommend changing them every 30 to 90 days if you’re using a disposable model. There are washable versions if you’re looking to save money.
Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Lowers Your Energy Bills
It may seem plausible that shutting the vents in your unused rooms will help lower your energy bills. Your HVAC system’s ductwork was specifically designed for your home to receive conditioned air. If you shut off vents, it could lead to a backup of air pressure inside your ductwork and heating and cooling equipment.
Closing vents isn’t going to save a substantial amount of money on your energy bills, as your system will have to continue to run to compensate for the loss of conditioned air in your ductwork. Not to mention, this can lead to more frequent repairs of your HVAC system. Your best bet is to simply keep all your vents open and clear of obstructions so that your HVAC system can run as efficiently as possible.
Professional HVAC Service
Atticman Heating and Air Conditioning, Insulation offers professional HVAC service for the entire Sacramento region. We can also assist with all your ductwork, whole home fan, electrification, insulation, water heater, and ductless mini-split needs. We also offer AC maintenance, ask us about it today! Simply give Atticman Heating and Air Conditioning, Insulation a call today to schedule an appointment.
