How much do you really know about your Wilmette, IL HVAC system? A little knowledge can help you save money and enjoy greater comfort, but myths and misunderstandings abound. To help sort fact from fiction, let’s take a look at the most common home heating and cooling myths.
Myth: Bigger Is Always Better
If you’re in need of new HVAC equipment, it’s tempting to seek out the biggest, most powerful system you can afford. In doing so, however, you could be setting yourself up for failure. Oversized systems can actually heat or cool parts of your home too rapidly, causing a condition known as short cycling. This can lead to inconsistent, fluctuating temperatures and poor humidity control. It can also inflate your utility bills and put undue stress on your equipment, leading to premature failures. Unfortunately, even some HVAC installers adhere to the misguided notion that bigger is better. A reputable HVAC contractor will conduct detailed load calculations to determine the ideal size for your new system.
Myth: Regular HVAC Maintenance Is Unnecessary
Scheduled HVAC maintenance visits are a lot like routine checkups with your dentist. They may not seem important now, but they play an essential role in preventing major issues down the road. Even if your HVAC system seems to be working well, it’s still worth having a professional perform a basic system tune-up. These maintenance tasks are designed to help minimize wear and tear and ensure your equipment maintains optimal efficiency. They’re also the best way to prevent major breakdowns and extend the service life of your system. Just as importantly, having your system serviced regularly ensures any manufacturer warranties remain active.
Myth: Cranking Up Your Thermostat Delivers Quicker Comfort
When your home becomes uncomfortable, it’s a natural response to crank your heating or air conditioning way up. After all, shouldn’t a very high or very low setpoint make your HVAC system heat or cool your home more quickly? Unfortunately, that’s just not the case. Your system always works to reach your desired temperature as swiftly as possible. Choosing extreme thermostat settings only forces your equipment to run for longer periods, wasting energy without enhancing your comfort. The real key is to avoid letting your home become excessively hot or cold in the first place.
Myth: Turning Your HVAC System On and Off Saves Energy
If you’re looking to reduce your heating and cooling costs, turning your system off occasionally seems like an obvious step. It’s true that your system won’t use energy while it’s shut down, but that’s not the whole story. After turning it on again, it will take even more energy to bring your home back to a comfortable temperature. The act of starting up your equipment also draws more power, making this approach even less efficient. Instead, consider using a smart thermostat to more effectively manage your energy consumption.
Myth: Keeping a Consistent Thermostat Setpoint Is More Efficient
If periodically turning off your HVAC system is no good, what about the opposite approach? According to this logic, keeping your thermostat set at a constant temperature helps minimize your energy usage. It sounds intuitive enough, but it’s simply not true. Maintaining a steady temperature 24/7 requires your system to run more often, even when heating or cooling isn’t needed. It’s better to dial back your thermostat a few degrees when you can, such as when you’re sleeping or at work. Again, a smart thermostat is the most effective way to accomplish this micromanagement without sacrificing any comfort.
The ability to properly manage and care for an HVAC system is an important skill for any Wilmette, IL homeowner. Unfortunately, persistent heating and cooling myths often end up costing money and leading to unnecessary wear and tear. To ensure you’re getting the best climate control experience possible, trust in the expert HVAC services of Ireland Heating & Air Conditioning.
