Debunking 4 Myths About HVAC Systems in Melbourne, FL
HVAC systems are wonderful tools, but to get the most out of them, you must understand them. Unfortunately, belief in several persistent myths keeps homeowners in Melbourne, FL and elsewhere from being able to do this. To make some progress in remedying this situation, we are going to dispel four of the most common myths about HVAC systems.
1. The Bigger the System, the Better Your Results
At first glance, a powerful HVAC system with the ability to change indoor temperatures up and down with ease seems like a blessing. However, some careful reflection will show that matters are not so simple.
When purchasing an HVAC system, the installation team should recommend a size based on the features of the residence. If this is not the case, you could end up wasting substantial amounts of energy and paying unnecessarily high energy bills, in addition to no having stable temperatures throughout the house.
Systems installed in a building that is too small for them will end up short cycling and turning on and off more frequently than temperature changes in the indoor environment warrant. This puts needless strain on the system and may inflict long-term damage. Eventually, this leads to higher repair bills and a greater chance that you’ll need to replace some key pieces of equipment earlier than expected.
2. Duct Tape Can Plug Duct Leaks
Just because people call it “duct tape” does not mean that it can fix your duct-related problems. If your ductwork starts to leak, it may be tempting to apply some elbow grease and patch up the holes you find with some duct tape, but we strongly advise against doing this. Duct tape tends to peel and actually doesn’t cover duct holes very well at all.
Instead of using duct tape, we recommend calling one of our professional HVAC technicians at Next Generation Air & Heat Inc. and requesting duct cleaning and sealing services. Our professionals use specialized tools for this purpose, including foil tape and mastic sealant.
3. You Only Need HVAC Service When Something Is Visibly Wrong
It is quite tempting to fall into the trap of thinking this way, especially if you’re committed to saving money. We cannot stress enough that this is a terrible mindset to have. Regular HVAC maintenance is extremely important, and industry professionals constantly recommend scheduling it at least once per year.
If you neglect to do this in the belief that it will save you money, this will almost certainly backfire in the long run. Some HVAC issues can have catastrophic consequences in the distant future but may be subtle and almost imperceptible in the short term. If caught early, these problems can be cheap and easy to deal with; if allowed to fester, they may end up completely destroying your system, requiring a replacement.
The careful eye of a trained technician can detect the first signs of growing issues. Never ignore the need for regular maintenance.
4. Efficient Systems Will Always Decrease Energy Bills
As sensible as this myth may sound, the truth is a bit more complicated. The efficiency of your HVAC system, while certainly important, is far from the only factor influencing the size of your energy bills.
Other factors include personal habits, such as whether you tend to leave your windows open and the type and age of your thermostat. In addition, the nature of the weather where you live, with hot summers and mild winters in places like Florida, will almost always produce high AC bills and low levels of heating system use.
The more you know about how HVAC systems do and don’t work, the better prepared you will be to put yours to optimal use in Suntree and the surrounding area. For help with an impressive range of HVAC issues, call Next Generation Air & Heat Inc. today and request any one of our many heating and air conditioning installation, maintenance and repair services.
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