As temperatures rise in spring, many homeowners want to get the most out of their cooling systems in Clearwater, FL. However, you could damage your equipment or create complications attempting to optimize your AC. Here are some common HVAC misconceptions you should know about.
1. The Bigger the HVAC System, the Better
Your HVAC system’s capacity can impact your home’s comfort and energy consumption. An undersized system may overwork, attempting to regulate temperature and humidity. But an oversized system will still not provide adequate comfort in the muggy spring weather here in Clearwater, FL.
An oversized HVAC system will cool the room quickly and shut off. Your AC system may cycle on and off intermittently throughout the day. Since the AC keeps switching off, it doesn’t get enough time to remove the humidity throughout the house, plus some rooms may not be as cool as other rooms.
If you notice your home is often humid, your cooling system could be too big. The constant cycling can deteriorate components and raise your utility bills. You may want to consider scheduling an inspection before you decide to replace your existing AC equipment.
2. An Energy-Efficient AC Will Definitely Reduce Cooling Costs
An energy-efficient AC can indeed reduce the building’s energy consumption. An air conditioning system with high-efficiency ratings consumes relatively low quantities of fuel compared to older models.
However, an energy-efficient AC system will not always reduce your utility bills. Other factors in your home may influence the system’s performance. Improper insulation or incorrect air ducts sizing can increase the building’s cooling load.
Therefore, an AC installation must factor in comfort, health, building type and occupancy. It’s always wise to consult a certified HVAC system technician for installation, maintenance or repairs.
3. You Can Reduce Energy Consumption by Closing Vents
Another misconception is that closing vents in unused rooms can reduce energy consumption. Unfortunately, it only blocks airflow, which increases the strain on your cooling system.
Also, airflow blockages may cause frost to develop on the refrigerant coils. The ice may reduce the system’s efficiency and damage the compressor.
Additionally, closing the vents can cause pressure imbalances in your ductwork. That’s because installation professionals design the tubes to work within specific parameters. Any modifications can raise pressure levels, causing air ducts to crack.
If you have noticed a spike in utility bills or indoor pollution, your ductwork may have cracks and holes. You can schedule professional air duct service to fix leakages and boost energy efficiency. Senica Air Conditioning is one of the few companies qualified to offer Aeroseal’s Patented duct sealing technology in Clearwater.
4. Using a Fan Will Lower Indoor Temperatures
A ceiling or desktop fan doesn’t regulate temperatures in the room. Fans work on the principle of the wind-chill effect. As air blows over your skin, moisture evaporates faster, reducing your body temperature slightly.
Nonetheless, the blowing air doesn’t reduce the room’s temperature. A ceiling fan pushes cold air downwards and pulls warm air upwards, creating a chilling effect.
Since using a fan can make your body feel cooler, you may be able to raise the thermostat’s settings to reduce energy consumption. However, it’s only applicable when there are occupants in the room. Otherwise, you will only be wasting electrical energy if you leave fans running while away from home.
5. You Can Place Your Thermostat Anywhere
The truth is that the placement of your thermostat is critical for the performance of your system. The thermostat is the heart of your HVAC system, which tells the AC when to run or switch off.
Ambient heat can influence the device’s temperature readings, forcing your air conditioner to run continuously. The thermostat must be in an area away from direct sunlight or cooking stoves.
6. If Your Equipment Is Working, You Don’t Need Maintenance
Even if the AC appears to be running without any issues, our technicians recommend scheduling maintenance for your equipment annually. The process involves checking your HVAC system for faults to prevent costly complications in the future. A tune-up can reduce your energy bills and enhance your home’s comfort.
You can schedule maintenance services today to optimize the performance of your HVAC system. Seneca Air Conditioning offers comprehensive maintenance agreements for residents in Clearwater, so call our friendly team in Pinellas County for more details.
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