Demystifying Myths About Your Florence, SC HVAC System
Now that spring is rapidly giving way to summer in Florence, SC, you owe it to your household to keep your home HVAC system operating at peak efficiency. Seasonal HVAC maintenance is neither expensive nor complicated, but you may have heard some misleading information that could make it hard to do it right. Here are some myths and truths to know before asking your professional HVAC technician about your system’s needs.
Myth: You Only Need to Change Your Air Filters on an Annual Basis
Truth: Obstructed airflow forces your HVAC system to circulate longer to maintain your desired temperature, and this can lead to freeze-ups and compressor failure. Air filters are easy and inexpensive to replace. You should talk to your tune-up specialist about the proper replacement schedule based on the particulate level of your home.
Myth: A New HVAC Unit Will Pay for Itself
Truth: This claim typically highlights the increased efficiency of newer systems compared to older ones. The cost of a new system won’t lower your power or gas bill to a point where the unit is essentially free. However, it’s something to consider as your unit approaches the end of its 10–15 year lifespan.
Myth: You Should Seal off Vents in Unused Rooms
Truth: It might be tempting to close the vents and doors of your guest bedroom and other lower-traffic areas of the home, but this might actually do more harm than good. The subsequent increases in air pressure could lead to increased stress on duct joints and lead to leaks. If you have leaks in your ductwork, the cool air will simply get redistributed into your attic or walls.
Rooms that are significantly warmer or cooler than the rest of the house can often force your system to work harder to maintain the desired overall temperature in the home. It’s a better idea to concentrate on locating any drafts around exterior doors and windows and seal them up with inexpensive weather stripping.
There’s an exception to this logic, however. Zoned systems close off certain sections of your ductwork when you don’t need them. Installers design these systems to be able to handle the redirection, so you don’t run into issues like those mentioned above.
Myth: Setting Your AC on High Will Cool Your Home Faster
Truth: It might be tempting to crank up the air to full blast on a hot day, but making extreme adjustments can overwork the system or even lead to a freeze-up. Your system can only produce a limited amount of cold air at a time, and you will get better results by starting in a lower setting and making gradual adjustments. You will be much better off installing a programmable thermostat that will automatically adjust the temperature up or down while you’re at work or in bed.
Myth: Fans Cool the Air
Truth: Fans circulate air more quickly but do not cool a room. The breeze from a fan might feel good to the people standing in its path, but the ambient temperature is not actually cooler. Fans move airflow in a way that increases evaporation on your skin, activating your body’s natural cooling process.
Ceiling fans are a great way to make the most of your HVAC system, however. In the winter, they can push warm air back down to ground level, especially if you have two-story hallways. In the summer, they can pull warm air upward and out of the house if you combine them with a whole-home ventilation system.
Myth: Preventive Maintenance Is a DIY Project
Truth: There are a lot of easy and inexpensive things you can do on your own to keep your HVAC system operating at peak efficiency, but they’re no substitute for professional HVAC maintenance. A professional technician can clean and test your system and make long-term annual service recommendations. All you need to do on your own is change your filter and keep your outdoor unit free from leaves and heavy weed buildup.
We offer HVAC services in Florence, SC, and back up our air conditioning services with a 100% product and workmanship guarantee. Contact Air Solutions Heating and Cooling for AC repair services and any questions you may have about our other HVAC services.
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