Ever walked into a room and felt the temperature was just…off? You adjust the thermostat, fiddle with the vents, but it’s still not quite right. Maybe there’s something bigger going on with your HVAC systems, or perhaps it’s an underlying HVAC misconception?
Many of us have beliefs about heating and cooling that may be incorrect. These HVAC misconceptions might come from outdated information or be partially relevant. We’ll tackle these misunderstandings and show you the way things really are.
One of the more common HVAC myths is that a bigger system means better performance. However, that isn’t necessarily true. The proper size HVAC system is needed for a particular space.
The best cooling and heating system is optimized for efficiency, which ultimately gives consistent comfort. An oversized HVAC system could reach the desired temperature rapidly, but then it will “short cycle”. It will shut off soon after it has come on, which can make your monthly costs higher.
System sizing takes various factors into account, including square footage, insulation levels, window efficiency, and local climate conditions. Reputable companies don’t simply pick a unit based on space size alone.
They do thorough evaluations. This kind of analysis can determine the optimal size, giving peak performance, all while reducing stress to all parts of your air conditioner
If you avoid maintenance until something goes visibly wrong, your costs and efficiency won’t be on track. To get things back on track, proactive action is vital.
Routine maintenance keeps everything running smoothly and will save you on electricity costs. A well-maintained system catches potential issues early before they lead to very expensive problems.
Think of HVAC maintenance like an annual physical. The goal is to catch problems before bigger, more systemic issues occur.
Professionals will clean coils, check refrigerant levels, and look at electrical components. Technicians address all these smaller issues that may affect heating or cooling later.
It might sound right, but do not repair leaky ducts with duct tape. Despite the seemingly fitting name, this isn’t the ideal solution.
Specialized foil tapes or mastics sealants, when installed properly, create durable, airtight seals. Duct tape tends to fail due to temperature variations, as it dries and ultimately peels away.
Experts use various materials designed specifically for duct sealing. Duct leaks cause a reduction of indoor air quality, and raise monthly energy bills.
You are paying for air to come out where it is needed the least. In general, it’s bad for overall performance. Consider contacting a HVAC professional for sealing repairs.
Contractors that use only square footage to provide estimates without evaluating any other characteristics could be misrepresenting a very important fact. It’s important that all aspects be properly accounted for.
Things like window quality, insulation levels, ceiling height, and even the orientation of your building need to be properly understood. An accurate load calculation accounts for the totality of many parts working together.
Think of windows, for example: are they single-pane or triple-pane? They all impact what your needs are, because good windows save on electrical bills.
Good insulation, energy-efficient windows, and thoughtful building design matter. All things together need a thorough evaluation to determine the real long-term needs. When choosing to work with a reputable contractor, they must see how everything ties together, or your bills could be far higher than imagined.
The idea that a new HVAC system automatically increases a home’s sale value has several misnomers. Most buyers think they can tell how “nice” a heater and/or air conditioning system is.
Home inspectors often only check that the system is functional and relatively new. They’re more often familiar with known or understood brands. That can take any further negotiations with potential buyers to not even include air conditioning systems as part of it.
Windows, insulation, and other parts have to have a consideration when you determine what makes the most sense for where you are. High-efficiency parts help if other things are falling short.
They are parts working together as one in HVAC, rather than being standalone entities. Each part works in ways you wouldn’t imagine; even the thickness of a door that closes a draft.
Imagine an un-insulated old home on an old street. These can have “character,” and you may like them for their historical qualities. So many parts play in having all HVAC parts on a full analysis and HVAC professionals understand how to correctly interpret them.
It’s one of the top common HVAC myths out there. Many assume that a denser filter means better indoor air, but that isn’t always right.
More dense material may let in less material or particles. But when it’s that dense, air can’t fully flow.
Denser HEPA air filters will clog very quickly, causing further and even greater air blockage. It is similar to how an artery can “clog” in the body. Too much material passing through prevents free passage of material and movement.
Filter Types, Efficiencies and Impacts
| Filter Type | Efficiency | Impact on Airflow |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 1-inch | Low to Moderate | Minimal Restriction |
| HEPA 1-inch | High | Significant Restriction |
| 4-inch Media Filter | Moderate to High | Balanced Restriction |
Think through what system you use to help you choose the right air filter. Look for air filtration units, and keep these factors in mind.
While high-efficiency HVAC units will save energy month to month, this may not always be the case. Look at things based on that reality.
It really depends on one fact alone – are you a frequent air user? Your actual savings depend greatly on that, plus usage and local climate conditions.
If you enjoy cooler temperatures in the winter by setting your thermostat low, that’ll affect efficiency. Your location, and how it sees high rates of temperature changes, will impact efficiency.
The environment plays a factor on equipment running regularly. To have a true understanding you need to do all things correctly for full optimization.
Where your thermostat sits matters more than what some may expect. You may notice it being “cold”, but you can test the temperature, so what may be causing this?
Factors like sunlight, proximity to windows, or heat sources will all play in. Ideally, you would keep away from exterior walls or direct heat exposure that can occur through windows.
Central spots with very moderate consistent temperatures are best. Even relocating a table or sofa can help improve accuracy and maintain a consistent thermostat efficiency.
One might incorrectly assume shorter equipment runtime equates to lower energy usage. It’s simply not as simple as that.
Different factors exist, such as system speeds and capacity, that all need to be evaluated. To increase energy efficiency you can look at different options.
Variable-speed units sometimes may run much longer than older traditional models. This means less stress as the variable models don’t turn off completely, meaning lower total usage.
Variable-speed technology adjusts its output based on your actual needs in time. A system may start off fast, then slowly settle in as parts have adjusted based on what your thermostat settings need.
It makes less sudden on/off cycling. The savings may depend, based on the factors discussed earlier.
Sometimes, confusion between two similar pieces of equipment happens. Air handlers and furnaces have things in common, but there are differences.
Air handlers do what their name would infer; they push air, not the temperature change itself. Furnaces generate heat.
Understanding this can help. You’ll know where you get savings on one or not the other.
Even when HVAC companies say “they do everything,” it is still your responsibility to learn. HVAC has many pieces, and it’s in your financial interest to learn about it.
Being able to communicate makes everything better overall. By being on top of those concepts, a “small leak” now might cost so much more if overlooked.
Learn at least the things you are most concerned about. Ask pros those hard, real-life questions about common HVAC concerns.
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