The good thing about the modern world is that all information is readily available at the tip of your fingers. Everything you’d want to know is just a quick search away. The bad thing, however, is that not all information is factual. Anyone can post and share anything as long as they have an audience to spread it. The HVAC industry, for instance, is ridden with a lot of myths and misconceptions, which most homeowners believe to be true.
The common ones include:
1. The Bigger the HVAC System, the Better
HVAC systems don’t work with the same principle as cars or other machines. With cars or other motorized equipment, the bigger and the more powerful the engine is, the greater the performance. However, when it comes to heating and cooling systems, bigger and more powerful doesn’t translate to superior cooling and heating.
Unlike other machines, when you install an AC or heating system, it must be sized correctly for optimal performance and efficiency. A qualified technician must inspect and assess your home’s size and layout, insulation level, local climate conditions, and even the number of household members and pets. These elements help determine the ideal capacity of a system that would precisely match your heating and cooling needs.
If undersized, your heating or cooling equipment will work harder and run longer to reach and maintain your desired indoor temperatures. This will lead to excessive wear and tear and high energy consumption.
On the other hand, if oversized, your system will turn on and off frequently because it will reach the set temperature too quickly only to realize that it hasn’t evenly distributed conditioned air throughout your home. This leads to inefficient operation, cold and hot spots, increased wear and tear on components, and high energy consumption.
2. Close the Vents in Empty Rooms to Increase Energy Efficiency
This myth may have stemmed from the HVAC zoning concept. A typical HVAC zoning setup involves installing motorized dampers inside ducts, which homeowners can remotely control to regulate the flow of air to different areas of the house. For example, if the guest room is unused, you can close the damper (manually or remotely, depending on your system) in its supply duct to reduce or completely stop the distribution of conditioned air to that space. This saves energy and minimizes wear and tear on the system’s components.
This technique may seem similar to simply closing vents, but you need to understand that experienced technicians strategically place the dampers to optimize performance. Note that HVAC systems require a certain minimum amount of airflow to function efficiently. You can disrupt this balance by closing the vents. The pressure distribution in the ductwork will become uneven, leading to increased static pressure and airflow resistance (added strain). More critically, it can cause your system to overheat, causing damage to integral components like the heat exchanger or compressor.
Furthermore, randomly closing vents can make your system behave as if it were oversized. It will eventually start to cycle on and off more frequently, straining components and leading to premature wear and tear.
Therefore, instead of closing your vents to save energy, consult an HVAC zoning specialist to explore proper airflow management solutions. Zoning works, and it is highly recommended, but it must be done right to reap its benefits and protect your heating and cooling equipment.
3. An Energy-efficient Unit Will Automatically Reduce My Bill
Investing in an energy-efficient HVAC system is a smart and impactful move toward cost savings and sustainability. In fact, the federal or state government may award you tax credits, rebates, or other financial incentives for making an energy-efficient upgrade. However, an efficient system is just one piece of the puzzle.
To truly maximize energy efficiency and savings, you must also consider factors such as smart thermostat usage, proper home insulation, routine filter changes and professional maintenance, and humidity control. Take smart thermostat usage, for example. Leaving it in “FAN ON” mode can actually increase energy consumption rather than reduce it. In this setting, the fan runs continuously, even when heating or cooling is not needed. In contrast, the “AUTO” mode allows the fan to run only when the system is actively heating or cooling your space. That being said, “FAN ON” can help if your home’s temperatures are uneven, as it circulates existing air for better distribution.
Additionally, when at home, consider setting the temperatures to 68°F (20°C) in winter and 78°F (26°C) in summer. These settings are sufficient enough to maintain a pleasant indoor environment while minimizing the strain on the HVAC system. When you are not at home, adjust the winter temperature settings to 60-65°F (15-18°C) and the summer settings to 80-85°F (27-29°C) to further reduce energy consumption.
If you have a smart thermostat, take advantage of features like geofencing, which automatically adjusts your home’s temperature based on your location, and automated scheduling, which fine-tunes temperature settings according to your daily routine and environmental conditions for optimal comfort and efficiency. Also, go over your thermostat’s energy report to identify patterns of energy usage and potential areas for improvement.
4. Only a Professional Can Change the Filters During Maintenance
During a service visit, technicians will always inspect your filters and change or wash them if necessary. It is part of the maintenance checklist. However, you can’t wait 6-12 months to have a professional change your filters; you’d risk damaging your system.
As stated earlier, HVAC systems require sufficient airflow to function efficiently and effectively. If dirty air filters impede airflow, the system will be forced to work harder to circulate air. This can lead to hot and cold spots throughout the house, unnecessary strain on components, overheating, and high energy consumption.
A filter should be replaced every 2-3 months for optimal system performance. The process is pretty straightforward and easy to master. Just make sure to follow the guidelines on your system’s user manual, or call a professional for guidance if needed. The key factors to always keep in mind during this process are the filter type, size, MERV rating, and position in the filter slot as directed by the arrows.
5. I Don’t Need Routine Maintenance When the System is Still New
When an HVAC system is new, it operates efficiently and effectively with little to no issues. It’s easy to ignore it, especially since advancements in technology have also made it possible to automate every function. However, even with this modern convenience, you still need to pay close attention to your system and care for it well.
Consider scheduling at least one professional heating and AC maintenance appointment a year. This not only ensures optimal performance but also keeps the parts warranty active. Manufacturers can void your HVAC warranty if they learn that you missed even one required tune-up. This is why it is important to preserve all repair and maintenance records in case you ever need to make a claim.
If you have a system that’s nearing the end of its lifespan, schedule at least two maintenance visits per year. Aging HVAC systems are worn down and increasingly prone to malfunctions.
Contact SoBellas Home Services for More Information
Whichever concerns you have about your HVAC system, call SoBellas Home Services for informed guidance and expert solutions. Our technicians are highly skilled and experienced and always ready to help. You can also reach out to us for comprehensive maintenance and repair services to keep your heating and cooling system running efficiently year-round.
Call SoBellas Home Services for HVAC services in Playa Vista and LA County.
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