Correcting 5 HVAC Myths in Clinton, TN

HVAC systems are important to keep your home in Clinton, TN, both safe and comfortable. However, as you search around the Internet, you may run across some information about your system that simply isn’t true. Here are the top five HVAC myths you are likely to encounter and the truth about your system.

1. Routine HVAC Maintenance Doesn’t Matter

Every mechanical device needs regular maintenance in order to keep it operating properly. However, you may be likely to read that maintenance is just a scam for HVAC companies to make some easy money.

The reality is your system won’t work if it can’t circulate air properly or when the refrigerant is low. It also fails to work when any of the system’s components operate sub-optimally.

During a routine HVAC maintenance visit, a tech will clean wherever the system commonly develops airflow restrictions. They’ll also test your refrigerant level and inspect your air filter. Finally, they’ll test your system components to ensure each is working properly.

All of this keeps your system running at peak efficiency, and reduces the strain on your system. It also allows the technician to identify and correct any minor problems before they become bigger issues.

2. Your HVAC System Will Heat or Cool Faster Based on Your Thermostat Setting

This is often repeated by well-intended people who just don’t understand HVAC systems. The system works by drawing air in, either heating or cooling it, then forcing it back out.

Regardless of the temperature on your thermostat, your system can only circulate so much air. The size of your system along with how well it’s maintained determines just how much air it can push.

The temperature setting also doesn’t cause the system to be hotter or colder as it runs. Rather, the conditioning capacity is fairly constant, allowing for a certain capacity of temperature adjustment per hour it runs.

Often what happens when you adjust the temperature on your thermostat is that you forget about it. This causes your house to get uncomfortably cool or hot and causes you to spend more to run your system.

Any wide variance in the settings also create a lot of stress on your system to achieve these temperatures. This increases the repairs needed for your system and shortens the overall service life.

3. You Don’t Really Need to Change Your Filters Often

As mentioned, your system works by circulating air, and the air filter is the first stage of your HVAC system. The purpose of the air filter is keeping airborne contaminants out of your system to prevent deeper airflow restrictions.

However, as your filter collects these contaminants, it restricts the amount of air that can pass through it. This reduces your system’s efficiency, increasing utility costs and operational stress.

You should change most air filters about every 90 days, depending on your air quality and filter type. However, you should check it monthly and if needed, change it more frequently. The goal is to keep an eye on it and replace it before it restricts airflow too much.

4. You’ll Save Money by Keeping Your Thermostat Temperature Constant

This idea suggests that your system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your temperature constant. There is some wisdom to that while there are people awake in your home to enjoy it.

However, your system actually works harder overall when it’s attempting to keep the same temperature all the time. It’ll cycle longer and more often to maintain your settings.

The DOE suggests you can save about 10% by adjusting your temperature by 5-8 degrees for eight hours daily. The best time to do this is while people are out of the home or while everyone is sleeping.

5. Bigger Is Better

The idea of bigger being better makes a little sense being your system has a specific heating or cooling capacity. However, when you dig into how the system work, this breaks down quickly.

For your system to work properly, it needs to circulate a certain volume of air for a specific amount of time. If it circulates too much or too little, then it simply doesn’t function as well. Add to that, larger systems cost more to run, and you see why bigger may not be better.

Rather, your HVAC system should fit your home based on the square footage, heat gain from windows and additional calculations. The best way to ensure you have the right size is to work with a professional HVAC installer. They’ll use a specific formula to determine exactly the right capacity for your home.

Make sure your HVAC system is the right size and ready to handle the summer heat. Call to schedule your AC installation consultation with one of the expert technicians at Cook’s Comfort Systems, Inc.

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