While most people understand the basics of how an HVAC system works, there is still a lot of incorrect information circulating, and listening to the wrong source can result in serious problems for your HVAC system. If you have questions regarding your system, how it works, whether you should be concerned about something it’s doing or not doing, etc., give us a call at Centerville Heating & Cooling in Centerville, Ohio. We are always happy to answer your questions and advise you when it comes to keeping your home comfortable year-round.
Some Common HVAC Misconceptions for Homeowners in Centerville, Ohio to Be Aware Of
Closed Doors Do Not Control the Temperature Inside Your Home
One of the most common misconceptions about HVAC systems is that by opening or closing the outside doors of your home, you can help your HVAC system to warm it up or cool it down. This is not true. Your HVAC system is created and programmed to heat or cool a specific area based on square footage. Having the doors – or the windows – of your home open makes no difference to the performance of your HVAC system. If you are looking for a means of room-by-room temperature control, then you may want to consider a zoning system for your home.
Increasing Your Thermostat’s Temperature Won’t Heat Your Home Faster
This is another point that comes into play with regard to the fact that your HVAC system works based on the area of square footage it is designed to heat or cool. This programming includes a specific amount of time that your HVAC system will operate in order to achieve the desired temperature. Increasing your thermostat’s setting in an attempt to heat your home quickly will only result in quickly increasing your utility bill. Yes, the system will run for a longer period of time, but since it is pre-programmed to work a specific way, doing so will only waste resources and money.
Turning Your HVAC System Off and Back On Will Cost Money, Not Save It
On the surface, it seems to make sense that turning off your HVAC system when it’s not being used would be a logical way to save money. However, the exact opposite is true. That’s because if you shut off your system completely, then when you turn it back on, it has to work even harder to warm up or cool down your home. This, of course, will result in using more energy and costing more money. If you are looking to reduce energy waste, consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to control your HVAC settings even when you are not at home, so if you go away for the weekend and forget to turn down the temperature on your thermostat, you can simply use the free downloadable app to access your programmable thermostat and do so from wherever you are.
Preventive Maintenance Should Never Be Ignored
Preventive maintenance is as essential to your HVAC system as checkups with your doctor are for you and your family. A professional inspection and cleaning of your HVAC system will ensure that your home is ready for whatever winter throws your way. The fully trained and licensed technicians at Centerville Heating & Cooling are at your service in Centerville, Ohio, and the surrounding areas. Call today to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive HVAC inspection and thorough cleaning of your system and all its components, including the air ducts that will circulate the air throughout your home.
Your Furnace’s Air Filter Matters
Check the Air Filter Monthly While Your Furnace is In Use
Some people believe that putting a fresh air filter and their furnace at the beginning of the cold weather season is all that’s required until the following year. Nothing could be further from the truth. Your furnace’s air filter must be checked regularly – at least once every 30 days -and changed anytime it is dirty. At the beginning of the cold-weather season, when you turn on your furnace for the first time, install a new air filter in your furnace, then mark your calendar and check the filter every 30 days while your furnace is in use.
A Simple Air Filter Can Destroy Your HVAC System
If you neglect your furnace’s air filter and allow it to become clogged with dust and debris, your furnace will continue to try to pull air through the dirty filter, becoming overheated and burning up its motor, which will essentially be the end of your HVAC system. If repairs are possible, be prepared to spend a lot of money fixing a problem that could have been easily avoided with a few dollars and 5 to 10 minutes of your time.
Simple DIY HVAC Maintenance Can Make All the Difference
While it is important to have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned by a professional on a regular basis, it is just as important to do your part in maintaining your system in good working order so that it will continue to keep your home cozy and inviting year after year. A simple thing like replacing the air filter when needed will go a long way in keeping your HVAC system working great.
Final Thoughts on Common Misconceptions About HVAC Systems
Doing even the smallest things to help maintain your HVAC system can mean the difference in a system that will work for a decade or two and having to replace the entire system, possibly in the dead of winter, at the most inconvenient and most costly time. Using common sense when it comes to heating and cooling your home along with a little patience rather than trying to do it at warp speed will ensure that your system can do its job properly.
Want To Know More About Your HVAC System?
When you have questions, when you are ready to schedule an appointment for your annual HVAC inspection and cleaning, or if you’re in need repair services, give Centerville Heating & Cooling a call at (937) 353-1169.
