Common HVAC Myths in Carrboro, NC, and the Truth Behind Them

A myth refers to a false belief or idea passed on from one generation to another. As a homeowner in Carrboro, NC, you’ll encounter several myths about your HVAC system that might leave you confused. But believing in these myths will cost you money and time. Read on to understand some common HVAC myths and how you can separate facts from fiction.

Duct Tape is Ideal for Sealing Duct Leaks

Many people believe this common HVAC misconception. The truth is that service techs don’t recommend using duct tape because it’ll peel and not seal the leaks as needed. The duct tape might also melt and become a potential hazard for your home.

The best thing to do is contact a professional if you have any leaking ductwork. In the meantime, you can use mastic sealant or foil tape for a DIY solution before the HVAC company sends a service tech.

If It Isn’t Broken, Don’t Fix It

It’s often easy to come to the conclusion that a running system is a healthy system, which can lead you to forego scheduling maintenance. Failing to schedule regular maintenance services for your HVAC system puts it at risk of an unexpected breakdown. It’s important to schedule maintenance services twice a year to ensure efficiency and comfort for your family.

The Bigger the System, The Better

It might make sense to believe that purchasing a larger HVAC system translates to better comfort and more savings. However, large systems tend to experience short cycling. This creates high humidity levels and poor airflow.

This doesn’t mean that you should purchase a smaller HVAC unit, though, as they tend to run for longer periods, spiking your energy bill. To choose the proper-sized system for your home, you should contact professional service techs who will measure the size of your home and analyze several factors such as the insulation level and the ductwork.

It would be best to discuss with your HVAC contractor how they will measure the size of your home to determine the correct size of HVAC equipment to use. A properly sized unit runs longer than a large system, is more energy-efficient and provides comfortable conditions for your home.

Setting the Same Temperature Saves Energy

If this myth were true, then smart thermostats would become fairly irrelevant. Sometimes, you might believe that you’ll use more energy to heat or cool your home, and maintaining constant thermostat temperatures will save energy.

A smart thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature in your home throughout the day depending on your activities. However, you can have the thermostat settings close to ambient temperatures when sleeping or when away from the house because you don’t need to cool or heat the home.

Denser Air Filters Equal Great Efficiency

A standard air filter measures about one inch, and it’s quite efficient when it comes to eliminating pollutants in the home. However, it’s easy to believe that purchasing a denser air filter will help trap more particles. This is false because the HVAC motor can only work with an air filter with a recommended MERV rating, and a larger rating will reduce the airflow in the home.

Dense air filters clog faster than the standard filter, limiting airflow. A clogged AC unit increases the utility bills as the system works harder to deliver conditioned air in the home.

Shutting a Supply Vent Saves Energy

You might want to close certain rooms and vents with the notion that it’ll save you energy and money. However, this isn’t true because modern heating and cooling systems need to distribute conditioned air throughout the building. A blocked vent might lead to unnecessary breakdowns since this throws the system off balance.

Do you need high-quality HVAC services at a fair price? Contact our service techs at Warren-Hay Mechanical for HVAC installation, maintenance and repair services.

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