HVAC is a complicated industry. There are lots of systems, services, and guidelines that require expertise on the subject, which is why we always recommend getting a professional second opinion. This isn’t your fault, we’re constantly bombarded by news articles, blogs, and even rumors that come from friends over social media about how heating systems work and what you need to do to keep yours in good shape.
It’s extremely hard to verify all of these claims as just a normal person, so we’d like to help with a small blog post dedicated to explaining why some of these misconceptions might actually be false. Don’t worry, you can still just call us for your prospective HVAC services in Wheeling, IL. But we believe that the more informed you are and the more well-acquainted you are with this technology, the easier this process will be!
You Can’t Heat Your Home Without Ductwork or Water Pipes
This used to be true, but our technological advancements in HVAC systems have rendered this a misconception! The truth is that there are now heating and cooling systems that operate without water pipes or air ducts, and they’re aptly named ductless HVAC systems.
They’re heat pumps which means they can both provide your home with heating in the winter and air conditioning in the summer months. They operate via air handlers throughout your home, and you can install up to four of them per outdoor unit, which means you’ll get to place them in strategic locations so they provide your home with all the temperature control you’ll need.
Don’t let anyone tell you that these systems “aren’t as good” as a ducted system, or that they’re just temporary HVAC units. Ductless heat pumps are extremely effective and energy-efficient, and they last for the same amount of time that a furnace would.
A Lower Thermostat Setting Is Always Better
We all have that one family member that loves to turn the thermostat down to “save money on heating bills.” While the main concept is true, the lower the thermostat setting, the less work your heater has to do to keep your home warm, there are definitely some caveats to this fact.
For instance, if you’re setting the thermostat lower because your heater can’t get things to the temperature you would like, then this is not going to save you any money. This signals a problem that needs to be fixed by a professional.
Also, there are other costs to lowering the temperature in your home. Your plants could start dying, your family members could be unhappy and uncomfortable, and you might end up buying more clothes that are warmer to stay bundled up. Basically, the price of a mild temperature in your home might be worth it, depending on other factors.
Your Air Filter Protects Your Air Quality
While this might be true on the surface, it’s not entirely accurate. The air filter in your HVAC system isn’t designed to protect your indoor air quality, it just does this as a byproduct. It’s actually designed to protect your heating system from an influx of contaminants that might damage components and dirty the unit.
You might want to purchase a more robust air filtration system for your indoor air if you’d like to make a dent in the dust and debris that’s causing you discomfort.