6 Common HVAC Myths Debunked in Pontiac, IL

With summer just getting under way, it’s still a good time to schedule annual preventive maintenance for your home HVAC System. Before your AC really gears up for cooling, your system often needs tuning up and recalibration by a service professional so that it can perform at maximum efficiency. You should also be familiar with several common misconceptions about HVAC Maintenance.

1. You Should Buy the Most Expensive AC Unit that You Can Afford

When you purchase your home HVAC system, you might think that spending extra is a good investment. It’s actually more important to focus on the features that you need and purchase a unit that’s the correct size for your home. Do your homework when you shop for a new unit, and don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as needed until you feel confident about your purchase.

2. Setting Your Thermostat to Its Maximum Setting Cools Your Home Off Faster

Most of us have gone inside on a hot summer day and raced to the thermostat for some relief. Unfortunately, your unit can only produce a limited amount of cool air at a time. Adjusting your thermostat all the way to maximum will not cool your home faster.

Once you invest in a programmable thermostat, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy and effective it is to use. You can set it to higher temperatures while you’re at work or while your family is asleep, and it’ll make the changes automatically. Programmable thermostats are a great way to manage your energy costs, and you can even remotely program most of the newer models with your smartphone.

3. Ceiling Fans Make Your Home Cooler

Ceiling fans can definitely help lower your energy costs by making people feel more comfortable when the air conditioning is at a lower setting, but they have no impact on the overall temperature of the home. Ceiling help you feel cooler by moving air over your skin, creating a wind chill.

During the warm season, you should direct the breeze of ceiling fans downward; direct it upward in the fall. You can locate the slider switch on the lower part of your fan assembly. Be sure to also turn the fan off before moving the switch.

4. Expensive HVAC Air Filters Are Worth the Extra Money

You should change air filters every three months and more frequently, if needed. Many homeowners might consider spending a little extra on the premium-quality branded air filters to make sure that their families are breathing the cleanest air possible. But there’s actually very little utility in spending more for an air filter, and you’ll be fine with a standard air filter.

High-efficiency air filters are commonly used at health care facilities that require a sterile environment, but they’re not ideal for household use. Your system will work harder and could damage your system. You should use only those filters rated for your system.

5. Closing Intake Vents Saves You Money

This is a popular misconception that has been around for years. Many homeowners believe that they’re saving on their utilities by closing the intakes in their guest bedroom and other seldom-used rooms, but it actually doesn’t save money and makes your system work harder. Your home thermostat monitors the overall temperature of the home, and your unit will cycle longer in an attempt to evenly distribute the cooled air.

6. HVAC Maintenance Is A DIY Project

There’s nothing wrong with being a hands-on homeowner, but be sure to know your limitations! There are several things that you can do on your own to keep your HVAC system in working order, but be sure to schedule an annual air conditioning preventive maintenance visit with a professional.

At Popejoy Plumbing, Heating, Electric and Geothermal in Pontiac, IL, we offer premium quality HVAC and plumbing services with one call. Contact our team today if you have any questions or would like to schedule HVAC maintenance services.

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