The heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) system plays an essential role in creating a comfortable living environment in your home.
Typically consisting of either an AC unit and furnace or a dual-purpose heat pump, it allows you to control the temperature inside your home.
Unfortunately, there are several common HVAC myths that lead homeowners down the wrong path, some of which we’re going to discuss.
Myth #1 – Thermostat Temperature Affects Cooling Power
Raising or lowering the thermostat temperature won’t affect your AC unit’s cooling power. The temperature setting only affects when the AC unit runs.
If you set the temperature lower than your home’s actual temperature, the AC will run. If you set the temperature higher than your home’s actual temperature, the AC won’t run.
Myth #2 – AC Units Need Recharging on a Regular Basis
Another common HVAC myth is that AC units require recharging with refrigerant as part of regular maintenance.
While some AC units may need recharging, this isn’t a form of regular maintenance.
Refrigerant is stored inside a closed environment, so unless there’s a leak or other breach in your AC unit, it shouldn’t need recharging.
Myth #3 – You Can Seal Air Ducts Using Duct Tape
If an air duct is leaking, you might assume that a few strips of duct tape will seal it.
Duct tape can, in fact, create a temporary seal to minimize the loss of thermal energy, but it’s not a long-term solution.
Over time, the adhesive on the duct tape will dry up and evaporate, at which point the duct tape may pull away from the air ducts.
Myth #4 – Closing Vents in Unoccupied Rooms Improves Efficiency
If a room in your home isn’t occupied, conventional wisdom may lead you to believe that closing all air vents in the room will make your HVAC system more efficient.
In reality, closed vents increase the pressure in the system’s ducts. As the pressure increases, thermal energy – heated or cooled air – may leak in areas of weakness, such as the seams around ducts.
Myth #5 – Larger HVAC Systems are Better Than Smaller HVAC Systems
The size of your HVAC system will affect its ability to heat and cool your home. With that said, larger HVAC systems aren’t always better than smaller ones.
If your HVAC system is too big, it will cool and warm your home too quickly.
Why is this a problem? Well, the constant on-and-off cycling will shorten the lifespan of your HVAC system while also raising your monthly utility bills.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
