Cleaning Your HVAC System

Posted on: 3 January 2017

Today more than ever, many homeowners are looking for ways to make their HVAC units more energy efficient. Unfortunately, there are many myths and urban legends on how to cut costs on heating. Most of these fallacies could actually result in energy wastage instead of cutting down utility costs. This article seeks to set the record straight on energy efficiency in your home by busting 3 popular myths on heating and air conditioning. 

Closing off air registers cuts down on heating bills

There is a common misconception that closing off vents and air registers in areas which are occupied less often can save on heating bills. This is, however, not true and can lead to a host of problems.

Modern forced air systems are essentially balanced to distribute heated air evenly throughout the house, ensuring all conditioned spaces remain comfy. Closing off some air registers often causes an imbalance in the pressure load in the vents, causing distortions in how your unit inhales and exhales air. This may result in inadequate air flow to the furnace, forcing the unit to work harder so as to reach the set thermostat temperature. Consequently, the unit may use more fuel or even break down prematurely.

Closing off certain air vents can also cause cold spots in rooms that don't receive hot air. These cold areas will typically draw air from heated rooms, causing the whole house to feel colder and necessitating that you crank up your thermostat. 

Setting your HVAC unit at full-blast results in faster heating

Setting a higher temperature on your thermostat will often not make your home reach a comfortable temperature faster and could result in the unit working much harder. This is because the furnace typically produces heat at the same rate regardless of the thermostat setting.

If the thermostat setting is cranked up, your home will likely take just as much time to warm up as when you stick to the desired temperature setting. Additionally, you may have to lower the setting by a few degrees once the home heats up more than intended, leading to energy wastage. 

Duct tape is great for sealing ducts

Sealing cracked ductwork can help cut down on heat loss and keep your energy bills down. However, duct tape isn't the best tool for the job, as it tends to adhere poorly in dusty conditions. Air ducts will likely attract dust over time, making the duct tape come off.

Heated air in the ducts can also cause the adhesive to dry out quickly, causing the tape to fall off. For better results, consider using masking tape, which essentially insulates and seals ducts much better. 

Contact a company like Bryant Air Conditioning, Heating, Electrical & Plumbing for more tips.