You want to get the most out of your HVAC unit all year round. However, with the many misconceptions surrounding air conditioning, it is easy to believe these lies, especially when you think they are saving you money, lowering your bills, or enabling your appliances to work more efficiently. Here are five HVAC misconceptions that you need to know about in Melbourne, FL.
1. If it Isn’t Broken, No Need for a Professional
If your HVAC system isn’t broken and seems to be running just fine, there is no need for a professional, right? This is false; regular maintenance of your air conditioner is always a good idea. The same way you would go see a doctor for regular checkups is the same way your HVAC unit needs inspection.
There are several components, such as the coils, belts, motors, and traps, that should be functioning optimally all year. Not having regular maintenance performed could amount to serious repairs, especially if you don’t catch an issue before it breaks down your HVAC. You need a professional to perform a routine check to help your system last longer, remain energy-efficient, and always running.
2. Changing Air Filters Once a Year Is Enough
If there is one maintenance item that matters the most in your HVAC, it is changing the filters. Over time, dust, grime, and some small debris can accumulate in your filters, and if you wait an entire year to replace them, your system will have suffered a mechanical breakdown, reduced efficiency, or total failure.
At the minimum, you need to change your filters every 1-3 months. If, however, you live in a home with a lot of pollutants, you should consider replacing the filters that trap these particulates more often. If you keep fresh filters in your HVAC, the air you breathe will remain clean, and you won’t overwork your machine.
3. If You Want the AC to Cool Faster, Turn Down the Thermostat
Your HVAC’s thermostat doesn’t determine how hard your air conditioning works, only how long it operates to ensure enough cool air in your home to hit the required temperature. Your system will always run at the same rate when it is set at a typical temperature level.
Turning it to the extreme low will only make your system run for long before reaching that desired temperature, and your HVAC will use more energy, leading to elevated monthly utility bills. The same thing happens when you turn the thermostat way up with the hope that it will heat faster – you’ll just waste more energy and money.
4. Bigger Is Better
The right size of an HVAC system depends on the square footage of the space that you are looking to heat or cool along with several other factors. If you choose a unit that is bigger than your space needs, the machine will cycle on and off too often. This will incur you more energy bills not to mention wearing out your HVAC faster.
For correct sizing, consult with a professional who will help you choose a unit that doesn’t leave your house feeling clammy. This professional will determine the right unit based on the age of your home, your climate zone, the number of occupants in your home, and your home’s square footage.
5. Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy
It is common for people to close off unused rooms in their homes in hopes of saving energy and money. They keep the vents shut as well as the doors and windows to keep the house more efficient.
Modern HVAC systems feature a specific design that works by effectively distributing air across all rooms. When you have closed the vents and doors, you have also blocked the air circulation, causing pressure imbalances and making your system work harder than usual. In the long run, this increased workload will break your HVAC.
Many people have misconceptions about HVAC systems, and these falsehoods often cause them to use their systems incorrectly. Your HVAC machine requires regular attention, so contact Extreme Air & Electric, LLC for professional AC maintenance and other services.
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