The old saying that what you don’t know can’t hurt you is not true when it comes to your HVAC system. Unfortunately, a whole lot of false information is swirling around out there when it comes to HVAC systems, and believing it can lead to higher energy bills or issues that can threaten your system. We’ve created this article to put an end to some of the most common myths many homeowners believe and show you what the truth behind them is.
1. You Should Shut Your AC Off Before Leaving
Many people firmly believe that you should shut your air conditioning off before leaving the house to save energy. While you should set the temperature a few degrees higher when you’re not home, you should never completely shut your AC off during the summer heat.
Turning the temperature up around 3-5 degrees for eight hours a day will lower your air conditioning bills by 5-10% on average. If you turn the temperature up too high or shut your AC off, the system will end up using more energy overall than it would if you always leave the thermostat set to the same temperature. That’s because of the additional work it will need to do and how long it will need to run to cool your house back down to the normal temperature.
2. Higher-Rated Air Filters Are Always Better
An air filter’s MERV rating tells you how efficiently it works, and many people believe that you should use the highest MERV filter available to protect your HVAC system and improve indoor air quality. The problem is that the more efficient a filter is, the more it restricts the airflow coming into the HVAC system and the more it hampers the system’s performance and efficiency.
For most residential HVAC systems, a MERV 8 filter will provide the best balance between protection and performance. Even standard filters with a higher MERV rating don’t make all that much of a difference in terms of indoor air quality. If you want to improve the air quality in your home, upgrading your HVAC system with a thicker media filter or an air purifier is the most effective option.
3. Closing Vents Will Make Your HVAC System More Energy Efficient
Another myth far too many people believe is that you can make your HVAC system work more efficiently and save on energy bills by closing vents in unoccupied rooms.
Closing vents creates airflow issues that reduce both efficiency and performance. The amount of air moving in and out of a space must be balanced for an HVAC system to perform efficiently, which isn’t possible when some vents are closed. When vents are closed, more conditioned air is trapped in the supply ducts, creating resistance and making it more difficult for the system to circulate air throughout the house.
4. Maintenance Isn’t Necessary Except in Case of a Breakdown
Far too many people neglect the importance of maintaining their HVAC system regularly, believing that maintenance is only necessary when something goes wrong or the system breaks down. However, having a professional maintain your HVAC system regularly is just as important as maintaining your vehicle.
Maintenance makes a major difference in how efficiently an HVAC system works and how likely it is to break down or develop various issues. Twice-yearly maintenance will save you money by keeping your cooling and heating bills down and avoiding more frequent or more expensive repairs. It also helps preserve the lifespan of your HVAC system so you can get as many years out of it as possible.
5. All Thermostats Are the Same
Many people are hesitant to replace their old thermostat with a smart thermostat because they don’t think it will make much difference. Many people also think that the difference between a smart thermostat and a standard thermostat is that you can control a smart thermostat with your phone. The truth is that smart thermostats are more advanced with versatile features that improve HVAC efficiency and reduce energy usage.
Smart thermostats can learn and adjust the temperature settings automatically to keep the HVAC system working as efficiently as possible without negatively impacting home comfort. Most homeowners will see around a 10% improvement in efficiency with a smart thermostat compared to a standard unit.
For cooling and heating solutions in Modesto you can trust, turn to Cencal Mechanical Heating & Air, Inc.. We’re a family-owned company that’s been providing reliable HVAC installation, maintenance and repair services since 2012, and our team is ready to handle all of your indoor comfort and air quality needs.
Whether it’s installing a smart thermostat, upgrading your HVAC system with an air purifier or taking care of your maintenance needs, you can count on us for quality work and outstanding customer service. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.
