7 HVAC MYTHS

Cascade Heating & Specialties presents the top HVAC myths uncovered. When it comes to spring and summer in Central Oregon, you want to be sure you know all there is to know about your home or office’s central AC system. Misunderstandings can lead to energy-wasting habits and soaring monthly utility bills. Avoid that unfortunate situation with the Freezing Mechanical insights below.

– The Top 7 HVAC Myths Uncovered –

Myth #1: 
Air Filters Don’t Need Regular Cleaning or Replacement Over time and with continued use of your home’s HVAC system, air filters collect dust, debris, airborne pollutants and moisture. As much as 40 pounds of dust are produced each year by the average home. According to the EPA, indoor air pollution is one of the leading risks to human health, and the air inside your home can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air.
In addition, not cleaning or replacing air filters ultimately makes your HVAC system less efficient and ends up costing you in wasted energy use each month. According to the Department of Energy, changing out a dirty air filter for a clean one can reduce your energy consumption by up to 15 percent.

Myth #2: 
Drastically Changing the Thermostat Will Cool or Heat a Space Faster or More Effectively Your thermostat functions as a cooling or heating regulator. That means it’s simply in charge of telling your HVAC system when to turn on or off based on the desired temperature you instruct it to reach for a particular space. Just as an elevator will not come any quicker by pushing the buttons repeatedly, neither will your raising or lowering your temperature make the thermostat work any harder or quicker.

Myth #3: 
Closing Vents in Empty Rooms Can Save You Money During HVAC installations, systems are properly measured for vents to remain open at all times. Closing off vents in certain rooms creates imbalance and causes suction within the return air duct. Closing your vents will not save you money, and can in fact cost you in the long run due to pressure buildup in the duct work and ensuing leaks.

Myth #4: 
Electric Space Heaters Save You Money Electric space heaters run on electricity rather than natural gas. Not only does this make them a hazard, but it also can increase your energy bill since natural gas is four to ten times cheaper to run than electricity.

Myth #5:
There Is No Reliable Measurement for Energy Efficiency Savings According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), more than half of the states in the U.S. have established energy efficiency targets. In addition, these states are also actively measuring usage to see where they stand in terms of progress being made to achieve these goals.

Myth #6: 
The Location of Your Thermostat Doesn’t Impact System Performance According to the Department of Energy, the location of your thermostat can ultimately impact the overall performance and effectiveness of your HVAC system. To operate properly, your thermostat must be installed on an interior wall where natural room air currents take place and where it isn’t being blocked by furniture or any other obstruction. It should be placed away from direct sunlight, doorways, drafts, skylights and windows.

Myth #7: 
Routine HVAC Maintenance Is Unnecessary Just like your car, your home’s HVAC system needs to be maintained on a regular basis. Scheduling routine AC maintenance helps ensure the peak performance of your system and detect any smaller issues before they turn into costly repairs. Regular maintenance will guarantee your central air conditioning and heating system lasts through its intended lifespan, and possibly beyond. Ignoring HVAC maintenance will cost you in unexpected breakdowns and repair expenses in the long run.