Debunking Common Winter HVAC Myths
The chilly weather in Seattle, WA, puts your furnace to the test. Unfortunately, there are several myths regarding your HVAC system that can compromise how you use your setup. Let’s debunk several of the most common winter HVAC myths.
Myth: Raising Your Thermostat Setting Warms Your House Faster
If your home feels chilly, you may consider adjusting your thermostat to promote a warmer indoor environment. Some homeowners believe that if you turn your thermostat up by many degrees at once, it will warm your home faster. This is not only a myth, but it can lead to your HVAC equipment being strained and overworked. A better idea is to adjust your thermostat by a couple of degrees at a time. Allow your furnace to work efficiently to make your home more comfortable. If you still feel your home is cold, make further changes.
Myth: You Save Money by Closing Vents
Another common HVAC myth is that closing off vents in rooms that you don’t use often will save you money on your utility bills. It seems like a smart concept, but this strains your HVAC system by impeding the proper flow of air. This results in your furnace working harder to deliver warm air to your various living spaces. You may notice your HVAC system requires more frequent repairs, which also has the potential to shorten the lifespan of your equipment.
Keep all your vents and registers open. This will promote a much more comfortable residence that is free of cold spots in the winter.
Myth: HVAC Maintenance Is Only Needed in the Spring
It’s common for homeowners to schedule routine HVAC maintenance in the spring months. This allows our team to inspect their HVAC system before air conditioning is needed. We can also use this appointment to catch any wear and tear that occurred throughout the winter months when your furnace was hard at work. However, we recommend that you consider scheduling your routine heating maintenance appointment prior to the start of winter.
HVAC maintenance in the fall allows us to check your furnace or other heating equipment and ensure it’s protected and safe for the long winter ahead. We can also check all of your heating equipment to confirm that it’s going to work reliably and efficiently when the temperatures outside start to drop.
Regardless, routine HVAC maintenance should be scheduled at least once per year. Sometimes, homeowners schedule service twice per year. They will have us come to their home before the start of summer and before winter.
Myth: You Can Save Money by Using a Space Heater
While a space heater is a convenient item to have on hand if you need to bring up the temperature of an area quickly and substantially, they aren’t designed to be very energy efficient. Your HVAC system will do a much better job of heating your home at a fraction of the cost. Not to mention, a space heater will only heat a very small area of your home at a time. You would need multiple units to heat your home to the extent that your HVAC system does.
Myth: Filters Only Need Changing Once Yearly
While there are some filters that don’t need to be changed very frequently, your average furnace filter needs to be changed once every 30 to 90 days. You’ll want to refer to the recommendations set by the manufacturer of the filter you’re using. If you or someone in your home has allergies or respiratory issues, more frequent changes can be beneficial.
Myth: The Higher the MERV Rating, the Better the Air Quality
While this myth is technically correct, it’s not a rule you should necessarily follow. The minimum-efficiency reporting value, or MERV for short, reflects how well a filter can trap particulate matter. If you have a high-rated filter in your furnace, it will trap quite a bit of particulate matter. However, your furnace may not be able to handle a filter that has a very high MERV rating. Many of these MERV filters only work in commercial equipment that is much more powerful. Attempting to use the incorrect MERV-rated filter can strain your HVAC system and cause problems.
Myth: A Bigger Furnace Is a Wise Investment
If you experience cold spots in your home, don’t assume that investing in a new furnace that’s larger than your current unit is going to rectify the problem. It’s important that we assess your home to determine what the best-sized unit is for your situation. If you choose something that is too big, this can lead to system strain, more repair needs, and poor efficiency. It’s also wise that you don’t invest in a furnace that is too small for your home and your heating needs.
Myth: Thermostat Placement Doesn’t Matter
It’s very important that your thermostat is appropriately placed for accurate readings. If you have your thermostat installed on an exterior wall, this can cause your system to run more frequently than is necessary. Also, ensure your thermostat isn’t installed in direct sunlight. This can prevent your furnace from running, and your home will feel cold in the winter.
Also, your thermostat should be inspected periodically as part of routine HVAC maintenance. The battery needs to be replaced at least once per year. We may need to calibrate your thermostat to ensure it works properly. We can upgrade your thermostat to a smart version if you would like to reap the benefits of this updated technology. This includes the ability to monitor your energy consumption and control your settings remotely using your smart device.
Myth: DIY Maintenance Eliminates Professional Assistance
Homeowners often believe that changing their furnace filter periodically and keeping their vents clean and clear is enough maintenance to keep everything running optimally. It’s still incredibly important that you allow our team to inspect your HVAC system prior to winter. There are several small issues we can catch, like frayed wires, dirty interior components, and clogged filters. When caught early, we can perform a repair before a major shutdown occurs.
We don’t ever advise you to skip an annual maintenance appointment. Even a very new furnace should receive attention yearly to ensure it lasts for many years. On average, a furnace is designed to last anywhere from 20 to 25 years. Unfortunately, this time frame can be much shorter if routine maintenance wasn’t utilized. Not to mention, the time frame that you have that furnace can be plagued with frequent problems and expensive repairs.
If you need maintenance or repairs for your HVAC system ahead of winter in Seattle, reach out to our team here at Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning. We can help ensure that your system will perform efficiently all winter long. We also offer the installation of various types of heating and cooling equipment. We also offer plumbing installation, drain repair, water heater service, and more. Electrical services include new wiring installation, generators, and electric vehicle charging.
Reach out to Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning for all your heating services needs in Seattle today.
