Your customers are probably following long-held beliefs when it comes to their home comfort systems. We repeat misinformation to ourselves and others all day long without knowing it. Decisions based on myths can lead to high energy bills, costly repairs, and equipment that does not last as long as customers expect. Knowing the facts can help customers make more informed decisions about maintenance, equipment upgrades, and everyday operation. Following myths leads to discomfort and higher utility bills. Following the facts can lead to a more efficient and reliable home comfort system.
Myth: A bigger HVAC system is better
Perhaps the biggest money pit of myths is that bigger HVAC systems provide better cooling or heating. Oversized systems cause more problems than they fix. When equipment is too big for the space, it will short cycle by turning on and off more frequently. This puts extra wear and tear on major components and does not dehumidify the air well.
Systems are properly sized according to how much heating or cooling the home actually requires. Things like ceiling and wall insulation, window placement and size, square footage, and air infiltration affect this load calculation. Properly sized equipment runs longer cooling or heating cycles which improves comfort and extends the lifespan of the equipment while helping to control operating costs.
Myth: Maintenance is optional
Avoiding preventive maintenance is almost always more expensive over the lifetime of the equipment. Dirty coils, belts, filters, and loose electrical connections all reduce efficiency and cause equipment to work harder. Refrigerant levels can creep lower over time too, causing similar problems.
Yearly maintenance from a trained technician can restore some lost efficiency, prevent emergency breakdowns, and identify small issues before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems. Most manufacturers will also require proof of annual maintenance to honor warranties. Technicians who perform regular maintenance may see you as a repeat customer, but homeowners who skip it pay more to repair or replace HVAC systems more often.
Myth: Closing vents saves energy
Closing vents in rooms that aren’t used may seem like a great way to save money but most forced air systems aren’t designed to accommodate closed vents. Closing vents increases pressure within the duct system which makes the blower motor work harder. This can cause warm or cold spots throughout the home and result in even higher energy bills.
Closing vents can also increase wear and tear on HVAC equipment. If your home has rooms that are rarely used, consider adding insulation to unused rooms, sealing the duct system, or installing a zoning system. Closing vents on your own likely just creates more problems.
Myth: Thermostat adjustments don’t matter
Turning the thermostat down a few degrees in summer or up in winter will save you money. Many believe that cranking the thermostat much lower in summer or much higher in winter will heat or cool the home faster. Instead, it will just run longer.
Moderate temperatures with programmed temperature adjustments while away from home or asleep help reduce energy waste. Programmable and smart thermostats can make these temperature adjustments automatically and simplify life for homeowners.
Myth: All filters are created equal
Filters range from just restricting dirty air from entering the duct system to filters that purify the air. Using the wrong kind of filter can cause your system to work harder and cost you money. Air is cleaned by trapping particles in the filter media, but this also reduces airflow. Some systems can handle high-efficiency air filters, while others cannot.
The wrong filter can actually increase energy consumption and put stress on your blower motor. When choosing a new filter, work with your HVAC provider to understand which filter is best for your home and system.
Myth: Brand new systems are efficient
Even a high-efficiency system won’t save you money if it’s improperly installed. Contractors can make mistakes just like anyone else. There is more to installation than just swapping out an old HVAC system for a new one.
Oversizing equipment, poor airflow, and leaky ductwork can cause even the most efficient systems to perform poorly. How HVAC systems are installed plays a big role in energy savings.
Take steps to ensure your new system is installed properly by requesting seasoned technicians, asking about airflow, and ensuring ductwork is sealed. A well-designed system includes proper sizing, proper airflow, sealed ductwork, and professional commissioning. Take these shortcuts and you won’t see the energy savings you were promised.
Don’t believe the myths. Hire a professional
Distinguishing between helpful facts and myths can be difficult for homeowners to do on their own. HVAC companies like Salmon HVAC can help homeowners make smart decisions to protect their home comfort budgets. Visit our HVAC installation and maintenance guides for more information you can trust.
Conclusion
There is a reason these HVAC myths are still around. They sound like they make sense. Sometimes we get too caught up in what we think we know and ignore how the system is actually working. Just because a statement sounds right doesn’t mean that it’s the truth. Bigger systems aren’t always better for your home. Closing vents doesn’t save you money and skipping maintenance will cost you money. Think before making big decisions about your HVAC system and save yourself some money and headaches.
FAQ
Question: Why is my electric bill so high if my HVAC system runs fine?
Answer: Your system may be running, but does that mean it’s running efficiently?
Components that are dirty, broken, or not working together correctly can lower your system’s efficiency without completely breaking down.
Question: Should I replace my HVAC system because it’s old?
Answer: Not necessarily. Age isn’t everything. There are many factors that go into deciding whether to repair or replace an HVAC system.
Question: How often should HVAC maintenance be performed?
Answer: Service your HVAC system twice yearly for best results. Service once before heating season and once before cooling season.
Question: Will upgrading my thermostat help me save money?
Answer: Absolutely! Programmable thermostats and smart thermostats can help you save money on energy bills.
Question: What is the most expensive mistake homeowners make with their HVAC?
Answer: Not consulting a professional. They may seem like easy decisions, but HVAC systems are better when professionally sized and installed.