Any homeowner probably knows what HVAC stands for, or at least can tell the appliances it represents. But despite being a staple of every American household, many people still have misconceptions about heating, ventilation and air conditioning units.
Today, let’s bury the most stubborn myths surrounding them:
Energy-Efficient Units Guarantee Energy Savings
Between a high-efficiency and an inefficient piece of equipment, it’s clear which option can help lower your utility bills. However, buying a product that bears the ENERGY STAR® label won’t suffice to see noticeable reductions in your energy costs.
Before making a purchase decision, the Department of Energy recommends considering the fuel the unit runs on, the local climate and the size of the equipment. These factors are just as important as efficiency.
Preventive Maintenance Is a Waste of Money
It can be hard to quantify the value of preventive maintenance since some of its benefits are intangible. The truth is, it’s more of a necessity than a luxury. Even the best units need proper upkeep to perform efficiently and reach their expected service lives. Skipping regular inspections could prevent you from discovering deteriorating components, which can result in premature failure of the equipment when left unaddressed.
Temperature Adjustment When No One’s Home Has No Impact
Many individuals believe that adjusting the temperature of the furnace, boiler, air conditioner or heat pump when leaving the house doesn’t matter. However, turning the temperature up or down in the summer and winter, respectively, can actually make a difference.
The real myth is saving energy by switching the equipment off until you return home. Not using your heating or cooling unit when you’re gone might allow the temperatures of your rooms to reach extreme levels. This could require more energy to regulate.
Thermostat Dictates Speed of Cooling and Heating
Changing the setting of your thermostat for the sake for dramatically increasing or decreasing air temperature is futile. Its job is to keep the indoor climate desirable based on your own preference. It monitors that ambient air temperature, triggering the equipment to run when it feels the room become too cold or too hot. Regardless of the difference between the thermostat’s setting and the actual air temperature, the heating or cooling unit will always work at the same rate.
Turn to the Authority on HVAC to Winterize Your Home
Let McMaster Heating and Air Conditioning inspect your HVAC system, look for red flags and perform the necessary tune-ups before winter in Orange County rolls around. Call us at (949) 481-7995 to discuss your space heating needs and get a free estimate.
