Keeping your HVAC system in tip top shape is not easy. Currently, social media and the internet can be a great help in providing real world advice for HVAC issues that may arise. Unfortunately, this can also lead to a lot of misconceptions and invalid information regarding the issues you may be having and how to fix them. We’ve made a list of 4 HVAC myths that are frequently seen across the web and social media!
#1: Thermostat location isn’t important
You may have seen online that the location of where you place your thermostat is not important. However, that is far from true. If your thermostat is placed too close to an air vent, or in direct view of a window it may give off false readings. If the sun shines directly on the thermostat, it will read that house is warmer than it actually is. It will then bring on the AC sooner than needed and waste energy and money. It could also possibly cause system failure due to short cycling.
#2: The Bigger the HVAC system, the better
This is entirely false. Installing an HVAC system that has too much capacity for what you need will cause it to short cycle, turning on and off constantly. This causes equipment failure prematurely and will cost you a bundle in energy costs. Unless you need a bigger HVAC system, stay away! Go big or go home is not the motto here. In fact, it will deliver inferior air comfort, waste energy, and be more prone to mechanical breakdown.
#3. Energy efficiency doesn’t make a home more valuable
An energy efficient home might allow you to save a little money here and there, but it won’t increase the sale value of your home, or at least, that’s how the myth goes. However, that is simply a myth. High efficiency homes can sell for more money, and homes with poor efficiency tend to sit on the market much longer.
Energy Star certified homes and apartments are at least 10% more energy efficient than homes built to code and achieve a 20% improvement on average, and even more when compared to most resale homes on the market today.
#4. Closing a vent saves heat
Many people close off certain rooms of their house in winter in order to save money and energy. They shut the vents, and close the door, and forget about it. Unfortunately, they are not being more efficient, because this is one of the more common HVAC myths.
A modern heating system is designed to distribute the heat load throughout your home. When the flow is blocked, the system can be thrown out of balance. This may cause it to overwork and overheat, breaking down over the long term.
An overworked furnace wastes energy, costs you more money, and can cause excess wear and tear on the unit. The ideal way to save money during winter is to allow your central heating system to do its job as efficiently as possible. That means heating evenly throughout your home regardless of whether you regularly use certain areas.
