Did you know there are actually quite a few misconceptions out there regarding HVAC use that could be hurting your home’s efficiency? This means you might actually be paying more for your heating needs and your cooling needs than necessary.
Read on as we uncover some of these misconceptions, or myths, to help you better understand what contributes to the efficiency of your home comfort systems.
Myth #1: “I don’t actually need to change my air filter”
One of the most common misconceptions about the standard HVAC air filter is that it is in place to protect indoor air quality. This is not its purpose at all. The furnace air filter is in place to protect the furnace itself from dust, dirt, and other debris that could get in and harm its sensitive components. Learn more about how a dirty air filter can damage your heater and why keeping it clean is essential for optimal performance.
When this air filter gets too clogged up, it can harm your furnace in a different way, by restricting airflow. When airflow is restricted, your furnace simply cannot work as powerfully or efficiently as it’s meant to. In fact, it can even overheat.
So how do you combat this?
Well, every 1–3 months, depending on the type of air filter you have and the level of contaminants in your home (and by contaminants we mean anything from cigarette smoke and household cleaning chemicals to pet hair and dander), you should be swapping out your filter or cleaning your permanent filter … which brings us to the next myth.
Myth #2: “I can leave my permanent air filter in year-round.”
This isn’t what it means to have a “permanent” air filter—it cannot simply be left in your furnace and forgotten about. It has to be cleaned out just like a temporary air filter, every 1–3 months.
If you clean it by using water, you will want to make sure it is completely dried out before putting it back into your HVAC system. Otherwise, you could invite the growth of mold or mildew into your system, which is never a good thing.
Myth #3: “Blasting my heater at its highest temperature will heat my home faster.”
Nope, unfortunately this is a big energy-waster. Blasting your heater at its highest temperature doesn’t heat your home faster—it just causes the furnace to run longer, increasing wear and tear while wasting energy. Instead, consider using a programmable thermostat to maintain steady and efficient heating. For additional ways to improve system performance, check out these tips for boosting HVAC efficiency. All this does is make your furnace or heating system run longer to try to achieve the desired temperature on your thermostat. And while this typically isn’t as big of a problem in our climate, your heater may not even be able to reach the highest temperature if it’s too cold outside. So all this is doing is exacerbating wear and tear and wasting your precious resources.
Myth #4: “I can install my thermostat anywhere inside my home.”
Not quite, and this is especially untrue if you, like many homeowners, use your thermostat for both your heating and your cooling system all in one. In the winter, having your thermostat in too cold of a spot causes the heater to cycle on unnecessarily, wasting energy. Conversely, in the summer, placing a thermostat in direct sunlight makes the AC overwork. If you’re experiencing uneven heating or cooling, it might also be time to explore potential end-of-season heating repair needs to ensure your system is running as efficiently as possible.
In the summer, having a thermostat in direct sunlight will have the same effect: it will cause the AC system to cycle on sooner and run longer than it would normally have to.
Myth #5: “Space heaters are a safe alternative to central heating.”
While space heaters can provide temporary warmth, relying on them as a primary heating source poses significant safety risks. The National Fire Protection Association reports that space heaters are involved in 40% of home heating fires and 84% of associated deaths. Their portability makes them susceptible to being placed too close to flammable materials, increasing the risk of fire. Additionally, children or pets can easily knock them over, leading to dangerous situations. It’s crucial to use space heaters cautiously and not as a substitute for a well-maintained central heating system.
Myth #6: “I only need to maintain my furnace when it shows problems.”
Regular furnace maintenance is essential, even when no apparent issues exist. Routine inspections can identify potential problems before they escalate, ensuring your system operates efficiently and prolonging its lifespan. Neglecting maintenance can lead to unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Scheduling annual check-ups helps maintain optimal performance and can prevent inconvenient and expensive emergency repairs.
For reliable furnace repair Auburn, CA, look no further than “The Guys in the Big Red Trucks” here at Sierra Pacific Home & Comfort, Inc. Contact us today!