Common Myths About Heating and Air Conditioning

Every year, people offer up with different misconceptions about how their HVAC system works and what to do to take care of it or to lower their energy bill. While there are some great tips on saving money and caring for your system, you should also be wary of the myths.

The more information that you have, the more likely you are to save money. Myths can send you off in the wrong direction and cost you more.

Here are some of the most common myths:

• Adjusting the temperature before you leave is pointless.
• It is useless to service your air conditioner regularly.
• An energy-efficient system will reduce your energy bill.
• Fans decrease the energy used by an air conditioner.
• Air conditioning only cools your home.
• Use duct tape to seal your HVAC ducts.

So, while you now know some of the common myths, I’m going to give you the truth behind them, so that you can make an educated decision on how to handle your air conditioner.

Breaking Down the Truth

When it comes to adjusting your temperature, you should adjust it before you leave your house. While some people say that if it’s just for a short amount of time, it won’t matter, this isn’t true. Any amount of time matters.

In addition, you don’t want to buy the hype about not servicing your air conditioner. Servicing your unit regularly can save you hundreds of dollars in future HVAC repair costs.

Most people want to save money when it comes to their air conditioner. Some try doing this with an energy-efficient system, and while it may work, there’s no guarantee. It’s all dependent on size and usage. Likewise, don’t expect your fan to save on energy. Fans do not cool the room, they only circulate the air.

If you want to cool your house down, of course, the main function of the air conditioner is to cool things down. However, the air conditioner also decreases humidity.

Last, don’t use duct tape to seal your unit. Duct tape won’t last, it falls off and it will eventually lead to leaking. You should try mastic tape.

Use Your Knowledge To Take Proper Care of Your System

At the end of the day, knowing the difference between fact and myth is going to help you maintain your AC. Without knowledge, people often make mistakes that cost them more money. When you’re trying to save energy and money, following myths is counterintuitive.