When it comes to heating and cooling your home in Jacksonville, AR, you rely heavily on your HVAC system to maintain comfort throughout the year. But amidst the endless flow of information on the internet and well-meaning advice from friends and family, it’s easy to fall victim to some common misconceptions.
At Brad’s Heating & Air, we believe in empowering homeowners with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their HVAC systems. Understanding the truth behind common HVAC myths can increase your system’s efficiency, improve your home’s comfort, and even save money on your energy bills.
Let’s debunk some of the most persistent HVAC myths and offer practical solutions to keep your home comfortable and your system running smoothly.
Myth #1: Bigger HVAC Systems Are Always Better
The Misconception
Many homeowners believe a larger HVAC system will heat or cool their homes more quickly and efficiently. After all, bigger often seems better, right?
The Truth
In reality, an oversized HVAC system can do more harm than good. Larger systems often lead to a problem known as short cycling. Short cycling occurs when the system quickly turns on and off in short bursts, never reaching its full operating potential. Not only does this waste energy, but it also causes uneven temperatures, leaving some areas of your home too hot or cold.
Additionally, short cycling puts unnecessary wear and tear on your system’s components, shortening the overall lifespan of your HVAC unit. Plus, an oversized air conditioner may not run long enough to effectively dehumidify your home, leaving you with cool but clammy air—something Jacksonville’s humid summers certainly don’t need!
The Solution
The key to an efficient and effective HVAC system is proper sizing, which Brad can help you with. He can assess your home’s square footage, insulation levels, number of windows, and other factors to determine the ideal system size. An appropriately sized unit ensures even heating and cooling, lower energy bills, and a system that lasts for years.
Myth #2: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy
The Misconception
It seems logical to close vents in rooms you’re not using—why waste energy heating or cooling an unused space? Many homeowners believe this will reduce energy consumption and put less strain on their HVAC system.
The Truth
While the idea makes sense in theory, closing vents can cause more harm than good. Modern HVAC systems are designed to distribute air evenly throughout your home. When you close vents in certain rooms, it disrupts this balance, increasing pressure within the ductwork.
Added pressure forces your system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, which can lead to duct leaks, reduced efficiency, and even damage to the HVAC unit itself.
In some cases, closing vents can even result in higher energy bills, as your system struggles to maintain balance and runs longer than necessary.
The Solution
Instead of closing vents, consider investing in a zoning system or programmable thermostat to control the temperature in different areas of your home. This way, you can direct heating and cooling where it’s needed most without putting undue strain on your system.
Myth #3: Turning the Thermostat to Extreme Temperatures Heats or Cools the Home Faster
The Misconception
When Jacksonville summers get scorching or winter temperatures drop, many homeowners crank their thermostats to extreme levels in hopes of cooling or heating their homes faster.
The Truth
Your HVAC system works at a consistent speed regardless of the temperature setting on the thermostat. Setting your thermostat to an extremely high or low temperature won’t make your home heat or cool faster; it simply extends the time your system runs until it reaches the desired temperature. This approach can waste energy and increase your utility bills.
The Solution
For optimal comfort and energy efficiency, set your thermostat to your desired temperature and let the system work normally. Consider using a programmable or smart thermostat that adjusts the temperature based on your schedule so your home is always at the perfect temperature when you need it—without wasting energy when you’re away.
Myth #4: HVAC Systems Only Need Maintenance When There’s a Problem
The Misconception
Many homeowners assume that as long as their HVAC system is running, there’s no need to worry about maintenance. They wait until something breaks down before calling in a professional.
The Truth
Just like your car needs regular oil changes to run smoothly, your HVAC system requires routine maintenance to perform at its best. Skipping regular check-ups can lead to decreased efficiency, higher energy bills, and even costly breakdowns.
Regular HVAC maintenance ensures that your system is operating efficiently, helps identify potential issues before they become major problems, and extends the overall lifespan of your unit.
The Solution
Schedule bi-annual HVAC tune-ups—one before the spring cooling season and another before the fall heating season. During these check-ups, Brad will inspect, clean, and optimize your system, ensuring it runs smoothly year-round.
This preventive care can save you money in the long run and keep your home comfortable in every season.
Myth #5: Air Filters Only Need to Be Changed Once a Year
The Misconception
Some homeowners believe that air filters only need to be changed once a year, assuming that’s enough to keep their system running efficiently.
The Truth
Air filters are one of the most important components of your HVAC system. They keep your HVAC system clean and efficient by trapping dust, dirt, and other particles that would otherwise circulate through your home.
As a filter captures debris, it becomes clogged, reducing airflow and forcing your system to work harder.
Failing to replace your air filters regularly can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system, increase energy consumption, and even lead to system breakdowns. Additionally, dirty filters can negatively impact indoor air quality, circulating allergens and dust throughout your home.
The Solution
Change your air filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage and household factors like pets, allergies, or the type of filter you use. Homes with pets or family members with allergies may need more frequent filter changes to maintain clean air and system efficiency.
Myth #6: Duct Tape Is Good for Sealing Duct Leaks
The Misconception
Duct tape seems like the obvious choice for fixing duct leaks. After all, it’s called duct tape, right?
The Truth
Despite its name, duct tape is not suitable for sealing ductwork. Over time, duct tape deteriorates, losing its adhesive properties and allowing air to escape from your ducts. This results in energy loss, reduced system efficiency, and higher energy bills.
Even worse, using duct tape in high-temperature areas, like around a chimney flue, can cause the tape to melt, creating a fire hazard.
The Solution
Use specialized materials such as foil tape or mastic sealant to seal duct leaks properly. These products are designed to withstand the conditions inside your ductwork and create a long-lasting seal that improves your system’s efficiency.
Consider calling Brad’s Heating & Air to come out and help you seal your ductwork. Brad knows what he’s looking for, and can provide expert service for best long-term results!
Myth #7: The Thermostat’s Location Doesn’t Affect System Performance
The Misconception
Many homeowners place their thermostats wherever convenient, not realizing that their location can affect their HVAC system’s performance.
The Truth
Thermostat placement significantly affects how effectively your HVAC system heats or cools your home. If your thermostat is located near a heat source (like a sunny window or kitchen appliance), it may register a higher temperature than the rest of your home, causing the system to work harder than necessary. Conversely, placing the thermostat in a cold spot (like near a drafty window) can lead to underperformance, leaving your home uncomfortably cold.
The Solution
Place your thermostat on an interior wall, away from direct sunlight, windows, and heat-producing appliances. This will ensure more accurate temperature readings and help your HVAC system operate more efficiently.
Myth #8: High-Efficiency Systems Automatically Lower Energy Bills
The Misconception
Many homeowners assume that upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system will automatically reduce their energy bills, regardless of how they use it.
The Truth
While high-efficiency systems can certainly help reduce energy consumption, they are not a magic bullet. Your energy savings depend largely on how you use the system and how well your home is insulated.
If your home is poorly insulated or drafty, even the most efficient system will struggle to maintain the desired temperature, resulting in higher energy bills.
The Solution
In addition to upgrading to a high-efficiency system, make sure your home is adequately insulated and sealed. This will help reduce the workload on your HVAC system, allowing it to operate more efficiently and effectively.
Myth #9: Ceiling Fans Are Only Useful in the Summer
The Misconception
Most homeowners use ceiling fans to keep cool in the summer. When winter comes, many turn the fans off during the cold season.
The Truth
Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer! During the winter, running your ceiling fan clockwise at a low speed can help circulate warm air trapped near the ceiling, redistributing it throughout the room. This can help maintain a more consistent temperature in your home and even reduce heating costs.
The Solution
Switch your ceiling fan’s direction in the winter to keep warm air circulating and improve overall comfort. This simple step can help support your HVAC system and keep your home cozy during the colder months.
Myth #10: DIY HVAC Repairs and Maintenance Are Sufficient
The Misconception
Many homeowners attempt to save money by performing DIY repairs and maintenance on their HVAC systems, thinking they can handle the basics without professional help.
The Truth
Brad tells customers that there are, indeed, some basic maintenance tasks that the average homeowner can do on their own… such as changing air filters.
HVAC systems involve electrical components, refrigerants, and other potentially dangerous materials that require specialized knowledge and equipment to handle properly. DIY repairs can lead to safety hazards, voided warranties, and even more expensive repairs down the line.
The Solution
Always leave HVAC repairs and complex maintenance to certified professionals like your friend Brad. He has the experience, tools, and training to do the job safely and correctly. Ensure your system runs efficiently and reliably, all while protecting your investment.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the truth behind these common HVAC myths, you’re better equipped to care for your system and keep your home comfortable year-round. Whether you’re considering a new system installation, need regular maintenance, or want to improve your home’s energy efficiency, Brad’s Heating & Air is here to help.
Don’t wait for your HVAC system to break down before taking action! Call us at (501) 330-8066 to schedule a consultation or maintenance check.