As winter rolls in, you may be thinking about your HVAC system and how to keep it running at the most efficient level. You might have also heard certain HVAC myths of what you should do for efficiency and cost saving purposes. It’s important to separate fact from fiction regarding your HVAC system use and maintenance and the following can help you learn what’s really true about your HVAC system to prepare for the winter months.
Common HVAC Winter Myths
It’s important to know what’s true and what’s a myth regarding your HVAC usage. Here are some common HVAC winter myths and the truth behind each one:
Re-Adjusting Thermostats Decreases Efficiency: Programmable and smart thermostats enable you to adjust the thermostat at different times during the day. Some people have heard this is not efficient. This is a myth; lowering or increasing the thermostat at different times during the day won’t decrease the HVAC system efficiency.- Adjusting Thermostat Doesn’t Save Money: If you lower your heat temperature during the winter months a few degrees, such as when you’re sleeping or not home, you can, in fact, save money on your heating bill. This is where programmable and smart thermostats are extremely useful.
- Furnace Maintenance Isn’t Necessary Every Winter: You may have heard that furnace maintenance is only important occasionally. This is false! In order to keep your HVAC system running well and troubleshoot any issues that may occur in advance or find issues currently arising, it’s essential to have your furnace inspected and maintained every winter.
Closing Vents Will Help Save on Heating Costs: A common myth is that closing the vents in your home will help you save on your heating costs. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. Closing vents in one or more rooms will make your HVAC system work harder, leading to potential issues in the future.- Turning up the Temperature Can Heat Your Home Quickly: When you comehome to a cold house, you may be tempted to crank up the heat to reach your desired temperature as soon as possible. However, turning the thermostat to a high temperature to quickly heat your home isn’t effective and will actually strain your HVAC system, leading to potential issues.
- A High-Efficiency Heating System Will Help Lower Energy Bills: A high-efficiency heating system is a great piece of equipment to have in your home. However, this alone won’t be enough to drastically lower energy bills. Take other steps such as sealing air leaks in windows and doors, opening window curtains during sunny days to let the natural heat in, and using heavy curtains around windows to keep drafts out. All this, in conjunction with a high-efficiency system, can help to lower energy costs.
Open Windows to Circulate Air in Your Home: If you have good air quality in your home and an efficient HVAC system, you don’t have to open the windows to circulate air; your HVAC system may do the job for you.- Turning Down the Heat at Night Won’t Help Save Money: Some people may think that turning down the heat at night won’t help save money. This is false; if you turn the temperature down to a level that’s still comfortable, you will save money depending on how far you turn it down.
Don’t let these myths fool you! Know the truth about your HVAC system, and when it’s time to have your system maintained – Air Design can help!
