There’s so much information to find on the internet nowadays that it’s hard to know what’s true and what’s not. To help, we’ve chosen 5 of the biggest HVAC myths to explain why they’re incorrect.
Air filters should only be changed yearly.
Whether it’s summer or winter, your HVAC system has air running through it constantly, which means the filter is trapping contaminants. It doesn’t take long for the filter to become dirty. Depending on your system, filter type, and air quality needs, routine filter replacement could be a monthly or bi-monthy occurrence. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your unit to see the recommended time frame between each filter change.
Bigger is better when it comes to HVAC systems.
When a homeowner is looking to invest in the best, they often think a larger unit will be the best option in terms of high capacity and energy efficiency. However, it all depends on the size of your home. Installing a unit that’s too big for your home can actually result in wasted energy and too-extreme temperatures. An HVAC expert will be able to put together a heating and cooling calculation so you know the range size the unit should be. Then, it’s a matter of seeing what’s available in your budget.
Close the vents in empty rooms.
Typically, homeowners think they will save money by closing off the vents to empty rooms or rooms they don’t use as much, and then the system won’t have to work as hard. However, this does not cause the system to produce less warm or cold air. Instead, air will be trapped inside the ducts, which can lead to more pressure and result in leaks. Leaving the vents open helps the air flow naturally.
Outdoor units don’t have to be cleaned.
Yes, the outdoor HVAC units are designed to withstand the elements, but they will pick up dirt, dust, and other contaminants no matter what. When there’s build-up around it, the unit has to work harder, which leads to less energy efficiency. However, covering the system during the winter is not the answer—that can just encourage rodents to make it a home. Instead, just leave it for the winter and then hose down the outside once summer comes around.
Maintenance is only needed when something breaks.
It’s easy to forget the maintenance needs of your HVAC system until it’s too late and you’re calling for a repair. Just like vehicles, your unit needs routine maintenance to keep it running at peak efficiency and to potentially catch any issues before your unit breaks down. By keeping up to date on tune-ups, you save money long-term by investing in your system instead of having to keep replacing it too soon.
Give Binder Heating & Air Conditioning a call if you’ve been having issues with your HVAC units or need some routine maintenance. We are licensed and insured to serve homes and businesses in the Twin Cities metro.
