4 Myths Debunked

source credit: Deposit Photos

Maintaining your HVAC system is an important part of insulating an efficient home. Between regularly scheduled maintenance, updating windows and roofs as needed, and changing your air filter regularly, you may think all of the bases are covered to maintain your system and increase efficiency on your electric bill. There’s more than meets the eye with HVAC, though. Here are four commonly misunderstood myths, and how you can begin debunking them:

MYTH: It’s more efficient to keep my thermostat at the same temperature all day, every day.

The invention of smart or programmable thermostats debunks this right away! Consider setting your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and higher in the summer when you are asleep or away from the house. In the winter, open drapes and blinds to let sunlight naturally warm your home. Similarly, close them at night to keep heat or air conditioning in, as drapes are generally created for insulation.

You may also consider investing in a thermostat that operates at a variable speed – many HVAC systems operate at 100%, so when they’re on, they are using the maximum amount of energy to heat or cool. A variable-speed will allow reduced costs on your electric bill but may take a little longer to heat or cool.

MYTH: It doesn’t matter where your thermostat is in your home.

Placement is a very important factor when it comes to your thermostat. Never place the thermostat:

• On an exterior wall

• In direct sunlight

• Near other appliances

• Near windows

• In areas with plumbing

Any of these, or combination thereof, could alter the efficiency of your thermostat as it will pick up on any heat or air changes. Instead, consider putting your thermostat in the room you spend the most time in, or one that is most reflective of how your home should feel.

MYTH: Using heaters, A/C window units, and fans to be less reliant on my HVAC system will lower my energy bill.

Personal heaters and fans can be efficient for single- or infrequent use, but if they are being used in conjunction with an HVAC system, your energy bill will actually be less efficient. 

If you recently purchased a window unit because a room in your home just doesn’t get warm or cool like it used to, it may be a sign of something more serious that would require a technician. Either way, using a window unit in combination with an HVAC system will greatly increase your energy bill.

And did you know fans don’t actually cool or heat rooms at all? They rely on the “wind-chill factor,” which makes you feel cooler or warmer without contributing to temperature change.

Use fans and personal heaters only as needed, and be sure to turn them off when leaving the area.

MYTH: Getting a bigger HVAC system will cool and heat my home more easily.

Oversized or undersized HVAC systems can greatly increase the number of issues and the size of your energy bill. Talk to your HVAC technician and research the right size for your home. Oversized systems may increase humidity due to frequent on-off cycles, and improper sizing can lead to the system cutting off prematurely. Consider exploring variable-speed equipment that will heat and cool your home like you want and provide you with a lower energy bill.

A technician will measure your home, consider duct work, insulation, and other factors, and provide you with a system that is perfect for your home.

With these four myths debunked, many questions have been answered, but you may have even more. Don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our technicians today at  (731) 689-3651 or visit us online at harbinair.com. Your HVAC system is important, and we want to make sure your home is the most efficient it can be.

3 of our Most Frequently Asked Questions

source credit: Deposit Photos

Bottom line: We all want to be comfortable in our homes. Our heating and cooling units help us stay cozy no matter what the weather is outside. Sometimes we don’t realize all of the benefits of our HVAC systems, or when upgrades are necessary. You may notice an increase in dust or allergies  – these can be better controlled through your HVAC. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions about heating and air conditioning:

Q: Why do I have dust in my home so soon after dusting?

A: Your home is built to be efficient. It’s likely you have windows and insulation that keeps air and heat in, while keeping the elements out. Because homes are insulated for this efficiency, it can decrease the pressure in the home, which leads to an accumulation of dirt, dust, and bacteria.

The good news is there’s an easy fix! By installing an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV), you’ll remove stagnant air, introduce fresh air, and prevent dust accumulation. You may also install a larger media air filter as opposed to a standard 1-inch pleated filters, which can be harmful for your heating and cooling system.

Q: Why am I always sick in my home or vacation home?

A: Remember how we mentioned homes are built well-insulated? That plays a factor here, as well! Because of this insulation, Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) gasses are trapped in the home. These gasses are released from everything from cleaning supplies to candles. When they mix with oxygen in the air, the chemical reaction causes health issues like sinus infections. 

To combat VOCs, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends first installing an air ionizer for your home. This will deep clean your air, kill VOCs, and emit zero odor. Next, you should install a UV light with the ionizer that will kill 99.9% of contamination, eliminating biological debris, mold, mildew, and other harmful bacteria. You may notice additional dust or ball-like residue – no need to fret, this is just leftover from the VOCs. These can be swept up or vacuumed, and you are likely to see more in the first 30-90 days as VOCs are eliminated.

Q: How often should I replace my air filter?

A: For those with basic 1-3 inch air filters, you should plan to replace them every 1-3 months. If allergies are a problem for you or other members of your house, consider replacing your air filter more frequently, or even upgrading them. Homes with less foot and external traffic, such as a vacation home, can have fewer air filter replacements, or at least one replacement annually.

If you have a vacation home, live alone, have no pets and no allergy issues, change your air filter every 6-12 months. For standards homes without pets, change your air filter every three months. If you have one animal only, replace the air filter every two months. For homes with multiple pets or those with several allergy issues, filters should be changed every 20-45 days.

Your home is your sanctuary, and we want you and your family to feel safe and healthy all year-round. If you have questions, concerns, or think it may be time to upgrade your system, please reach out to us today at (731) 689-3651 or visit us online at harbinair.com. We look forward to hearing from you and making your house a home once again!