5 Myths About HVACs Debunked

HVAC systems are an integral part of Bay Area residential as well as commercial buildings. Apart from keeping you comfortable throughout the day, HVAC systems also improve indoor air quality, increase productivity, and help you save energy as well. Despite the fact that HVAC systems are used on a daily basis, people still have several misconceptions about them.

In this article, we take a look at five of the most common myths associated with HVAC systems.

Myth: Bigger HVAC Systems Can Heat and Cool Faster

Fact: If your HVAC unit is larger than it needs to be, it might turn off and on frequently and fail to complete a full cooling cycle – a problem commonly referred to as short-cycling. It can also lead to unbalanced airflow, which in turn can cause hot and cold spots to form in your home or office. Moreover, an oversized unit can cause your energy bills to go up as well. It’s why you need to make sure that you choose the right-sized HVAC unit for your home or office.

Myth: You Need to Set the Temperature Really Low for Quicker Cooling

Fact: Most modern HVAC systems have two built-in settings, which allow them to run at high speeds as well as low speeds. Even at a high-speed setting, your AC unit will take the same amount of time to lower the temperature by 2 degrees as it would to lower it by 10 degrees. It’s a matter of your unit’s capacity and the setting you choose.

Myth: Modern HVAC Systems Do Not Need Regular Maintenance

Fact: Regardless of how advanced or how expensive your HVAC unit is, you need to have it serviced at least once a year. Preventive maintenance is the best way to spot and fix issues that can affect your unit’s efficiency and can lead to costly repairs down the road.

Myth: Thermostat Placement Does Not Matter

Fact: It does. External factors like sunlight and drafts can mess up your thermostat’s readings and affect its functioning. For example, if it’s placed in direct sunlight, it will misread your indoor temperature and will work harder than it needs to cool your home or office. It can affect your unit’s performance, shorten its lifespan, and result in higher energy bills. Ideally, you should place the thermostat on an interior wall – away from direct sunlight, windows, or any heat-generating appliances.

Myth: Duct Leaks Can Be Fixed with Duct Tape

Fact: Duct leaks can cause your HVAC unit to perform poorly, affect indoor quality, and cause your energy bills to go up. The humble duct tape – as useful as it might be for other purposes – cannot fix these leaks. Depending on where the leak is, the tape might peel right off or simply melt due to excessive heat. Even if it stays in place, it will not fix the leak, since it cannot form an airtight seal.

Moreover, you have no way of finding out whether the leak is limited to just one area. It’s why you need to call a qualified HVAC technician, who can check your ductwork for leaks and fix them properly to prevent conditioned air from escaping.