There are many myths that can cause homeowners to make critical mistakes when managing their HVAC systems. The professionals at Comfort Air want to help set the record straight so that you can better understand your HVAC system. 

Common Myths

1. Thermostat location does not matter– Actually, it does! If your thermostat is placed in the wrong spot, your unit may not provide steady comfortable temperatures in your home. Avoid placing your thermostat in direct sunlight, adjacent to windows, or near your appliances as the temperature in your home can fluctuate in these locations. A thermostat should always be placed on an interior wall. Proper thermostat placement ensures that your system gets an accurate read on the overall temperature of your home.
2. Upgrading to a high efficiency HVAC system will always lower my energy bills– What makes this statement a myth is the word “always.” Although a high efficiency HVAC system will save money on your energy bills, your overall savings is contingent upon your HVAC usage. For example, if your family keeps your home set at 67 through the winter, your savings may be minimal in comparison to someone who keeps their home set at 78 through the winter. If your unit is running consistently to either keep your home cool or warm, an energy efficient model will provide significant savings. 
3. Replacing my HVAC system before selling my home will increase value–This is not always true. A home inspector will typically note whether or not a unit works, the brand being recognizable, and the likelihood of needing replacement soon. Having a brand-new unit can keep you from using your current unit as a negotiation point at a later time based upon age or condition. If your unit is still working, you are probably better off to leave it as it is when selling your home.
4. Square footage is the only thing that matters when picking the right HVAC unit–Although square footage is an important factor when calculating your HVAC needs, there are also other important considerations when looking for the right unit for your home. How many windows you have, how many panes they have, and how they are positioned on your home can impact your HVAC needs. Additionally, your home’s insulation, door seals, and ceiling height can also be relevant factors. If a HVAC professional tries to recommend a unit to you based upon square footage alone, they are not following the national standards set by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America.
5. Duct tape is a good solution for a leaking duct–Although it is called “duct tape,” trying to repair your leaking ducts with duct tape is a terrible idea. Duct tape can be a temporary fix for a lot of things, but cannot properly repair your ducts. While there are some types of foil tape that can be a serviceable solution for a leak,most homeowners will not have this lying around in their garage. Calling the professionals is the best course of action if you have a duct leak. We will  make sure that the problem is resolved properly. 
6. There is no need to call for HVAC services if my system is not broken–Regular maintenance is essential for helping your unit reach its full lifespan. Also, a well-maintained system will be more effective and efficient, ensuring your family stays comfortable without sky-high utility bills. We recommend scheduling a maintenance visit at least once a year to make sure that your unit is still functioning properly. Our technicians may even catch a problem before it develops into a costly or inconvenient repair.
7. A larger HVAC unit is always better–When it comes to HVAC systems, having the appropriate size is better than having the biggest size. An oversized unit will be more expensive upfront for power you do not need. Also, an overly powerful HVAC unit will be more likely to short-cycle, which means that the unit will turn on or off prematurely. Short-cycling can cause damage to your HVAC unit and impact the comfort of your home. If you determine that you need 2.5 tons of power to cool or heat your home, rounding up to a 3 ton unit would be fine, but there is no need to go any larger. A variable-speed unit with the proper ton capacity will ensure that your family stays comfortable without wasting energy or overspending on your unit.

Whether you need repairs, replacement, or routine maintenance, the Comfort Air team is standing by to help keep your family comfortable.