Maintaining and making the most of your property’s HVAC system is an important part of homeownership. In order to do so, however, you also have to understand how the systems work. It’s time to let go of the belief in common HVAC myths and maximize your system’s usage. Here are a few misconceptions we’d like to debunk.
Set the Thermostat to Extreme Temperatures
You may have been told that in order to stay comfortable, you have to turn the temperature all the way up or down. In most cases, however, you can still be comfortable at more moderate temperatures. Try setting the thermostat to just a couple of degrees higher or cooler than what you are used to. You may not notice the difference at all. Make sure to keep the health needs of your family members and pets in mind.
Doors and Windows Don’t Matter
You may have been told that the only way to cool or warm the house is to blast the air conditioner or heat. However, your home’s windows and doors also play a crucial role in creating a comfortable temperature. For example, gaps or cracks could invite cold air in during the winter months, counteracting the effects of your home’s heating system. Speak with one of our team members about sealing the gaps or getting better insulation. Failure to close the curtains on the hottest days of summer could mean that your air conditioning has to work overtime to cool the property.
Filters Should be Changed Yearly
Changing the filters is an important part of maintaining your heater and air conditioner. As a general rule, though, filters typically need to be changed far more often than once per year. In many cases, filters have to be changed about once every three months. The frequency can vary depending on factors such as the age of the system and conditions in the home, so you should ask one of our team members what’s right for your heater and air conditioner.
You Can Perform Maintenance Yourself
You should never try to tune up or repair HVAC equipment by yourself. Doing so could be harmful to you, or you could break components of the system. Also, attempting to complete the work independently could void your warranty.
Regular Maintenance Is Unnecessary
Getting your system regularly maintained helps the unit perform at its maximum ability. For example, it could have an unseen issue that is causing the system to consume more energy. During a maintenance appointment, our technicians can identify and resolve this problem. Failure to schedule regular maintenance is another move that could lead to the voiding of your system’s warranty. Check your warranty to see how often you’re required to schedule maintenance.
Zone Systems Are a Waste of Money
While upgrading to zone heating and cooling means you’ll have to spend some money, you can see a significant return on your investment. A zone system provides you with greater control over the temperatures in your home. For example, if you have a two-story home without a zone system, you have to constantly cool or heat the whole house to the same temperature. With a zone system, though, you can set one story to a different temperature than the other story. The ability to more precisely regulate the temperature can reduce your monthly bills. A zone system is also useful for homeowners who rent out part of their house. Your tenants can control their own environment.
Smart Systems Aren’t Worth It
Another way to have even greater control over your home’s heating and cooling is to get a smart system. A smart system allows you to monitor and adjust the temperature at home from your phone. Let’s say that you’re out at work one day when the weather forecast suddenly changes. Perhaps a sudden rainstorm is going to bring the temperatures way down. Instead of keeping the air conditioning blasting, you can turn the temperature up from your phone.
The Thermostat Can Go Anywhere
The placement of your home’s thermostat actually plays a key role in energy efficiency and comfort. For example, if the thermostat is located near the oven, the temperature is going to be off any time that you cook. You might be wasting unnecessary money on air conditioning because the system thinks that the whole house is warmer than it actually is.
Smart Systems Don’t Track Patterns Well
You may have heard that smart systems can track your patterns in terms of HVAC usage and make recommendations based on those patterns. Naysayers will claim that the suggestions are unhelpful. When your smart system makes a suggestion the next time, give it a try. You may very well find that the guidance helps you to stay comfortable while saving money.
You Can Get Detailed Estimates for Work Online
When you’re shopping around for a totally new HVAC system or for upgraded features, you’re likely eager to get a definite answer about costs. Some websites will claim that they can provide fully accurate estimates online. Proceed with caution when it comes to such claims. In order for a company to give an accurate price quote, the team really needs to check out the house and its specific needs. You might think that the size of the house determines the cost of the work, but this element is only one factor that goes into the equation. The number of windows and of household occupants both make a difference, for example. The team will have to consider the home’s electrical capabilities, the state of the system’s current components, and the amount of insulation.
I Don’t Need to Understand My Home’s HVAC System
Scheduling regular maintenance appointments and booking professionals to complete work on your system are two important responsibilities of being a homeowner. Nevertheless, it’s important for you to understand how the system works. After all, you’re the one who has to know how to use the features on a daily basis and what signs of trouble to look for. Here at Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas in Nanaimo, we’re prepared to answer all of your questions and help you have a better understanding of your home’s HVAC system.
We provide a full range of heating and air conditioning services, including installation, repair, and maintenance. We also work on heat pumps, gas furnaces and boilers. In addition, you can schedule an appointment with us to conduct an indoor air quality check for your home. Plumbing services are available as well. Some of our offerings include backflow protection, camera inspections, work on tankless water heaters, and repairs for toilets, faucets, and showers. We serve Nanaimo and the surrounding communities. Make sure to check out our specials. You can finance your next big project, or you could become a member of our comfort club, which offers benefits such as priority emergency service, discounts on a variety of repairs, and other advantages. To schedule an appointment to repair, replace, or tune up your home’s HVAC system, contact us at Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas today.
