When it comes to caring for your HVAC system, whether we’re referring to your air conditioner or your heater, there are a few care tips that are pretty apparent. For instance, investing in maintenance is never a bad idea. In fact, you should be scheduling a tune-up every year (or every 6 months if you have a heat pump, which is a year-round cooling and heating system).
What about when HVAC myths get in the way of caring for your system, though? In addition to providing quality Albuquerque, NM HVAC services, we’re happy to help dispel some of the most common HVAC myths so you can properly address air conditioning and heating system problems, and enjoy long-lasting equipment, lowered cooling bills, and optimal comfort as a result.
Myth #1: The Refrigerant Needs Occasional Refilling
Upon installation, your HVAC system is supplied with enough refrigerant to last its entire lifespan—ideally. If you’ve ever been told that your refrigerant needs refilling—recharging—on occasion, they aren’t telling you the whole truth.
The whole truth is that if your system is losing refrigerant for any reason, then you have a leak in your HVAC system that must be located and repaired so that your AC or heat pump can perform as effectively and efficiently as it is meant to.
Myth #2: Closing Vents off Will Save Money
We get it, you want to save as much money as possible on your cooling—and heating—costs. So if you have rooms in your home that are unoccupied, you may have tried to conserve energy by closing off room vents. The thing is, these vents are designed to direct air, not seal it off.
By closing your vents, all you are doing is reducing airflow and throwing your system off balance. The more efficient alternative to this is the installation of a zone control system. This system uses dampers within your ductwork that can be turned on and off independently of one another. This allows for efficient heating and cooling, and thus monetary savings too.
Myth #3: Your Air Filter Only Needs Changing During Maintenance
The air filter that comes standard with your HVAC system is there to protect the inside components of those systems from dirt, dust, and other debris that can make their way through your ductwork. The misconception comes from the assumption that these air filters are actually meant to protect your indoor air quality, so if you have the right air purification systems, you won’t need to change your air filter very often.
But this can be highly damaging for your HVAC system, leading to significant repair needs or even a premature breakdown. Air filters should actually be changed every 1-3 months—it depends on what type of air filter you have as well as how highly your air is contaminated (for instance, if you smoke or have pets, you may need to change it more often versus less often).
Contact Roadrunner Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration today for whatever your HVAC needs may be, from maintenance to quality repairs.
