As a homeowner, you rely on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable year-round, whether you’re facing the blazing heat of an Arkansas summer or the chilly nights of winter.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there that could cost you tons of money. But never fear: Advantage Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help clear the air by debunking some of the most common HVAC myths many homeowners fall victim to.
Armed with the truth, you can make better decisions, improve your home’s energy efficiency, and ensure your HVAC system runs smoothly for years to come.
Myth #1: Bigger Is Always Better
When it comes to HVAC systems, it’s easy to assume that bigger is better. After all, a larger system should cool or heat your home faster, right? Unfortunately, that’s not how HVAC systems work, and this misconception can lead to significant issues in your home.
The Reality: An oversized system may indeed cool or heat your home faster, but it does so at a cost. Larger systems often short cycle, meaning they turn on and off in rapid bursts. This not only puts undue wear and tear on the system, leading to potential breakdowns, but it also prevents your home from reaching a stable temperature. In addition, short cycling doesn’t allow enough time for your system to properly dehumidify the air, which can leave your home feeling clammy during humid Arkansas summers.
What You Should Do: Size matters, but it’s not about going bigger; it’s about getting the size right. To avoid the pitfalls of an oversized system, call us out to perform a load calculation. This calculation considers the square footage of your home, insulation, windows, and even climate factors to recommend the right-sized unit for your specific needs.
An appropriately sized system will provide consistent comfort, improve efficiency, and last longer.
Myth #2: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy
This myth makes sense at first glance: If you close the vents in rooms you don’t use, you reduce the area your HVAC system needs to heat or cool, thus saving energy. Unfortunately, while the logic may sound good, this practice can backfire in ways you may not expect.
The Reality: Your HVAC system is designed to work with all vents open, distributing air evenly throughout your home. When you close vents, you disrupt the balance of airflow, which can increase pressure in your ducts.
Added pressure often leads to leaks in your ductwork, causing your system to work harder than it needs to. As a result, instead of saving energy, you may increase your energy consumption and risk damage to your HVAC system.
What You Should Do: Rather than closing vents, consider more efficient solutions like installing a zoned HVAC system or upgrading to a smart thermostat that allows you to control the temperature of different zones in your home. This way, you can focus on the rooms that matter most while ensuring your system operates efficiently.
Also, you need to regularly inspect your ducts for leaks and ensure your HVAC system is balanced and properly maintained.
Myth #3: Turning the Thermostat Way Down Cools the House Faster
When the temperatures outside soar, you may be tempted to crank your thermostat down to an extremely low temperature in hopes of cooling your home faster. It seems logical: The lower the temperature setting, the faster the cooling, right? Not quite.
The Reality: HVAC systems operate at a consistent speed, regardless of how low you set the thermostat. When you set the temperature too low, all you’re doing is forcing your system to run longer to reach that temperature, which doesn’t actually cool your home any faster. This approach wastes energy and increases the strain on your system, potentially leading to higher utility bills and premature system failure.
What You Should Do: Set your thermostat to the temperature you actually want and let your system do its thing. If your home isn’t cooling quickly enough, it might be time to give us a call. We can check out your system and see if there is an issue that needs attention.
Additionally, consider using fans or closing blinds during peak sunlight hours to take a little of the strain off your system.
Myth #4: Air Filters Only Need to Be Changed Once a Year
Only change your air filter once a year, or just… whenever you think about it? You’re not alone! Many homeowners overlook this simple maintenance task, leading to poor indoor air quality and system inefficiency.
The Reality: Your HVAC system’s air filter plays a vital role in keeping dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne contaminants out of your home’s air. Over time, these filters become clogged with debris, restricting airflow and forcing your system to work harder.
Added strain can lead to higher energy bills and even cause your system to overheat or shut down. The truth is that air filters should be changed every 1-3 months, depending on factors such as the type of filter, whether you have pets, and the air quality in your area.
What You Should Do: Make it a habit to check your air filters regularly and replace them when dirty. Doing so will improve your indoor air quality and enhance your HVAC system’s performance and longevity.
Myth #5: If My HVAC Is Cooling or Heating, Then Everything’s Fine
Many homeowners assume that if their HVAC system is running fine, there’s no need for regular maintenance. However, the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality can lead to larger, more expensive problems down the road.
The Reality: Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your HVAC system operating at peak efficiency. Just like a car, your HVAC system needs periodic check-ups to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Skipping routine maintenance can lead to decreased performance, higher energy bills, and even system breakdowns. Dirt and debris can build up in your system, filters can clog, and components can wear out—all of which can lead to costly repairs or replacements if left unchecked.
What You Should Do: Call Advantage Heating & Air to perform annual maintenance for your HVAC system. Inspections, cleaning, and tune-ups can catch minor issues before they become significant. Regular maintenance keeps your system running efficiently and extends its lifespan, saving you money in the long run.
Myth #6: Turning Off the AC When You’re Not Home Saves Energy
This myth stems from the belief that if your AC isn’t running, it’s not consuming energy, which should lower your energy bills. However, this isn’t the most effective way to manage your home’s cooling needs.
The Reality: While turning off your AC may seem like a good idea when you leave the house, it forces your system to work much harder when you return and turn it back on. Your home will have heated up considerably, and your AC will need to run longer to bring the temperature back down to a comfortable level. This spike in energy use often negates any savings you might have gained by turning the system off.
What You Should Do: Instead of turning your AC off completely, consider raising the temperature by a few degrees when you’re away. A programmable or smart thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule, ensuring your home remains comfortable without wasting energy. Your system won’t have to work overtime when you return, and you can still enjoy energy savings.
Myth #7: Duct Tape is Effective for Sealing Ducts
The name might suggest otherwise, but duct tape isn’t actually ideal for sealing ducts. If you’ve ever used it for this purpose, you could be setting yourself up for trouble.
The Reality: While duct tape is handy for many household tasks, it’s not the best option for sealing air ducts. Over time, the adhesive on duct tape can deteriorate, leading to leaks in your ductwork. These leaks allow conditioned air to escape, reducing your system’s efficiency and increasing your energy bills. Leaky ducts can also lead to poor indoor air quality as dust and pollutants are drawn into the system.
What You Should Do: For long-lasting and effective duct sealing, it’s best to use professional-grade materials such as mastic sealant or metal-backed tape specifically designed for HVAC ductwork.
That being said, this really isn’t something you should do yourself. Give us a call, and we’ll inspect and seal your ducts to ensure your system runs efficiently.
Myth #8: Thermostat Location Doesn’t Affect Performance
Your thermostat might seem like a simple device that just needs to be mounted somewhere on the wall, but its location can have a significant impact on how well your HVAC system performs.
The Reality: If your thermostat is located near a heat source, such as a window or an appliance, it might register higher temperatures than the actual room temperature. This can cause your HVAC system to run longer than necessary, overcooling or overheating your home.
Similarly, if placed in a drafty or colder area, your system might not run enough, leaving you with uncomfortable temperatures.
What You Should Do: For optimal performance, place your thermostat on an interior wall in a central location, away from windows, doors, and direct sunlight. This will help ensure more accurate temperature readings and consistent comfort throughout your home.
Myth #9: A Denser Air Filter Is Always Better
When it comes to air filters, many homeowners believe that denser filters, such as HEPA filters, are always the best choice because they capture more particles. But this isn’t always the case.
The Reality: While denser filters do trap more particles, they can also restrict airflow. When your system has to work harder to circulate air, you will notice reduced efficiency and more wear and tear on the unit.
Also, denser filters tend to clog more quickly, requiring frequent replacement.
What You Should Do: Choose an air filter that balances filtration and airflow. A pleated filter with a moderate MERV rating (between 8 and 13) is typically a good choice for most homes. If you have pets or allergies, you should opt for a higher-quality filter, but be sure to change it regularly to avoid airflow issues.
Myth #10: DIY Repairs Are Enough
Thanks to YouTube, there is an abundance of DIY tutorials available for homeowners. While trying to fix HVAC issues yourself may be tempting, it probably won’t save you money in the long run. However, your HVAC system is more complex than many other home appliances. DIY repairs can sometimes do more harm than good.
The Reality: Attempting to repair your HVAC system without the proper knowledge or tools can lead to more serious damage, void warranties, and even pose safety risks. HVAC systems involve electrical components, refrigerants, and intricate mechanics that require professional expertise. DIY fixes often fail to address the root cause of the problem and may only offer temporary relief.
What You Should Do: It is always best to leave HVAC repairs and maintenance to professionals.
Here at Advantage Heating & Air, we employ only licensed technicians with the training, experience, and equipment to diagnose and fix issues accurately. We ensure your system operates safely and efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the truth behind common HVAC myths empowers you to make informed decisions that improve your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and system longevity. At Advantage Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re here to help homeowners in Wynne and the surrounding areas navigate the complexities of HVAC systems and ensure your home stays comfortable year-round.
If you have any concerns about your HVAC system, need maintenance, or are considering an upgrade, don’t hesitate to call our team of experienced professionals. We’re committed to providing top-quality service and ensuring that your system runs efficiently for years to come.