At times people experience problems with their HVAC systems that cause discomfort and curtail routine activities. Then there are many misconceptions surrounding the functioning of HVAC systems that lead to misdiagnosis of the issue. Here, we will explain six of those HVAC myths to help you live a comfortable, climate-controlled life in Deerfield, IL.
Myth: Closing the Air Vents Improves Energy Efficiency
Fact: Closing the vents does nothing to improve the energy efficiency of the HVAC unit. Doing so will only increase the pressure and airflow within the ducts and cause leaks at the seams and lining of the vents. A zoning system, on the other hand, regulates the even distribution of hot and cold air.
Myth: Lowering the Thermostat to A Super Low Number Will Cool Your Room Faster
Fact: Thermostats send temperature readings to your HVAC unit. When you turn the device on or off, or increase or lower the temperature on the thermostat, the information goes to the unit, and the unit reacts by increasing or lowering the heating/cooling mechanism accordingly. Your system can only lower the temperature at one speed. Setting the thermostat at a very low temperature will cause your system to run longer, costing your more money in energy.
Myth: Routine HVAC Maintenance Is Just an Option
Fact: Every HVAC system is a complex mechanical system that requires a parts and components tune-up from time to time. These parts need a technician to check, lubricate and clean them, so the system can function efficiently.
This means that maintenance is an absolute must if you want your AC unit running at peak performance. A maintenance schedule of at least once a year will ensure that happens. It can save you a lot of money in expensive repairs down the road.
Myth: A Bigger HVAC Unit Means Better Cooling
Fact: Sizing the system to the size of your house is very important. If the HVAC system is too large, it will short cycle, causing some rooms to be warmer than others and the system will not run long enough to reduce humidity. If the HVAC system is too small, it will run for longer periods of time trying to cool your home, causing you to pay much higher energy bills. It will also struggle to keep all of the rooms in your home comfortable.
Selecting the right unit is a challenge for many homeowners, which is why we offer a unit selection service for all our customers. Our technicians will accurately measure your home and recommend the best system when it’s time to replace it.
Myth: Ceiling and Floor Fans Keep the Space Cool
Fact: Ceiling and floor fans don’t actually cool your room; they simply circulate the air inside. They make it feel cooler due to the wind-chill effect without lowering the room temperature. So, when you turn on your fans, you’ll feel the same comfort level as when you lower the thermostat setting.
You can use some ceiling fans to make the room feel warmer during winter. The little switch at the base of these fans lets you reverse the blade direction to create an updraft. This will move the warm air around the ceiling down to the floor, thus seeming to warm the area.
Myth: Doors and Windows Are the Only Sources of Energy Loss
Fact: Although open or poorly sealed doors and windows can contribute greatly to energy loss, more heat and cold loss occur with a faulty ceiling or roof. In fact, around half of the loss comes from poor insulation of the ceiling, walls and roof.
All these, coupled with air leaks around the window and door sills, make the matter worse. Proper sealing around the doors and windows can significantly reduce the energy loss and the total on your utility bill.
If you live in the Greater Deerfield, IL, region, we can provide the maintenance and service your HVAC system needs. Our technicians have the essential knowledge and skill to pinpoint the problem with your equipment and make the proper repairs to get it back to normal. We offer a comprehensive analysis of any issue with the appropriate tools and techniques of all makes and models of HVAC systems.
Our company specializes in the diagnosis, repair, and replacement of heating and cooling systems, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Give the experts at Ireland Heating & Air a call for your air conditioning repair and installation needs.
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