Knowing the best way to care for your HVAC system can be difficult as a homeowner, especially when there’s so much conflicting advice online.
At Trilogy AC, we’re more than your local AC installation experts. Our team is available to Houston, Austin, McAllen, Pearland, Bellaire, and Cypress, TX residents, offering expert advice, maintenance, repair, and installation services for your heat and AC needs. You can trust the Trilogy AC technicians to care for your HVAC system.
Read on to discover the most common HVAC myths and misconceptions and get practical advice on keeping your system running smoothly this winter and beyond.
The Most Common Winter HVAC Myths
The following are some of the most common winter HVAC misconceptions that homeowners believe.
1. Closing vents in unused rooms saves energy
While this tip seems to make sense because the warm air only goes into rooms you’re using, the HVAC system is designed to work with all vents open. Closing some of your air vents increases the air pressure, which blows more of your heated air through cracks in duct seams. This causes your furnace blower to work harder to move air, wasting energy rather than saving it.
2. Heat pumps are inefficient in cold climates
While Texas isn’t known for its cold weather, temperatures sometimes dip below freezing. Older heat pump systems would struggle to heat a house in these colder months. However, today’s modern systems can perform in almost any climate, working as a heater in the winter, an AC system in the summer, and a dehumidifier and air filtration system when needed. These multi-function systems use less energy while keeping you comfortable year-round.
3. Your house will heat up faster if you crank the heat
If you turn up the heat far beyond your ideal temperature, the furnace will kick into high gear, run longer, and take just as much time to heat the space, if not longer. By cranking the heat up, you’re overworking the system and causing your energy bills to skyrocket in the process.
4. The thermostat can be placed anywhere in a room
Your thermostat should be placed out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources like fireplaces. It should also be placed away from windows and doors and out of drafty areas to get an accurate read of the ambient room temperature.
5. Denser air filters are always better
A thick HEPA air filter may seem like the best choice every time, but the denser the filter, the less air can get through. A dense filter forces the furnace blower to work harder, lowering its performance. It’s better to choose the filter approved by the manufacturer, or you can ask your HVAC technician what they recommend.
6. Duct tape is sufficient for sealing your air ducts
Duct tape may seem like a simple solution to drafty ductwork, but the name is very misleading. It’s not strong enough to withstand the air pressure and temperature changes in the ducts. Aluminum foil tape or mastic sealant are much better choices. Trilogy’s HVAC experts can seal your leaks professionally, so you don’t have to DIY a solution.
7. A bigger furnace is always better
If your furnace is too big for your home layout, it can heat the air around it too quickly. The thermostat will misread the home temperature, turning it off before your home is evenly heated. Once the warm air dissipates, it’ll turn back on, repeating the cycle without ever completely heating the space. Short cycling unevenly heats your home and causes undue wear and tear on the furnace.
If you’re unsure what size furnace to get, it’s best to consult a professional. The square footage of your home isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing a furnace. Your local HVAC expert will also look at the climate, the size of the windows in your home and which direction they face, the insulation in your walls, how many people live in the house, and other considerations.
8. Turning the heat down when you’re away won’t save energy
Some people believe that programming the thermostat to a lower temperature while away from home wastes energy because the furnace works harder to heat the house when it turns back on. This isn’t true — the energy you save by lowering the thermostat setting for several hours per day is more than the small amount of energy it uses to reheat the air.
How These Myths Affect Your Heating System
These HVAC myths ultimately lead to higher energy costs. The furnace endures more wear and tear if it’s the wrong size, the settings are wrong, or the incorrect filter is installed. Heat can escape from incorrectly sealed ducts, and improper thermostat settings could affect both your comfort and bank account.
Over time, an overworked furnace will malfunction, leading to high repair costs or even a replacement of the entire system. Understanding common HVAC myths helps lower your energy bills and keep your furnace running better for longer.
Debunking HVAC Myths: The Facts Homeowners Need To Know
While buying a high-efficiency, ENERGY STAR-rated furnace is a good start to saving money on energy costs, debunking HVAC myths, and understanding the facts about your HVAC system allows you to maximize its efficiency.
You should change the filters every 30 to 90 days, especially if you have pets or anyone in your home has allergies or a respiratory disorder. Keeping filters clean improves indoor air quality with better airflow through the furnace.
The most helpful thing you can do for your HVAC system is to schedule regular maintenance. It’s best to do this at least once a year, in the fall, before temperatures plummet into the low 50s. Maintaining your furnace boosts its efficiency, lowers energy consumption, reduces the need for repair, and extends its service life by several years. It’ll also keep you compliant with your furnace warranty.
Energy Efficiency Tips To Optimize Winter Heating
Here are some winter heating tips for optimizing heat before the chilly Texas winter season:
- Choose the correct size system for your space.
- Make sure your home is well insulated to prevent heat from escaping and minimize drafts.
- Have your ducts inspected and professionally resealed if necessary.
- Keep your ducts open and unblocked by furniture and other obstructions.
- Consider upgrading your thermostat to a smart, programmable model. Schedule annual maintenance with your local HVAC company.
Schedule Your HVAC Maintenance With Trilogy AC
By understanding common myths and scheduling proper HVAC maintenance appointments, you’ll improve your HVAC’s energy efficiency during the winter and learn when it’s time to call Trilogy AC for help. Don’t let HVAC myths leave you in the cold — schedule your winter maintenance with Trilogy AC today!
