Many homeowners around the Treasure Valley are confused when it comes to caring for and maintaining their home comfort systems. Unfortunately, there are many fallacies out there that can end up costing you $$ on expensive repair and utility bills.

At Access Heating & Air Conditioning, one of the things we deal with regularly is some common myths and misconceptions when it comes to your HVAC system. Sometimes it seems like there is more misinformation out there than fact. So today we’d like to take a little time to cover some of these basic home comfort fallacies:

Keeping It Stable

Misconception: Closing air vents won’t save money
Many homeowners believe closing off the vents in rooms that aren’t being used will save money.

While this might seem like a good idea, it’s instead a good way to cause your Boise air conditioning system to work harder. Closing a vent can even throw off a system’s balance and allow pressure to build up in the ductwork. This, in turn, can cause leaks that can decrease home energy efficiency and lead to higher utility bills.

Misconception: It’s cheaper to let your Boise air conditioning system run without adjusting the thermostat
Adjusting your thermostat properly can save you hundreds of dollars on your monthly utility bills. For example, when you’re not home, you can set that temperature to a warmer degree during summer to save energy. Doing this can save you between 5% – 15% a year simply by setting the temperature on your thermostat back 10 or 15 degrees. However, if adjusting your thermostat seems like too much of a hassle, programmable thermostats offer the ability to return your home to normal temperatures before you return home.

Filter Maintenance

Misconception: Filters only need to be changed when they’re dirty
It’s very important to change your furnace filter when it gets dirty – but it also needs to be changed regularly, whether or not it appears dirty. There is a lot of gunk and debris that a filter will catch that won’t be visible to the naked eye but could be harmful to your health. This invisible buildup will also cause your furnace to work harder to push air through the filter. That’s why they need to be changed routinely. If your filters are dirty, wet, damp, or haven’t been changed in a while, now is the time to do it.

Repairs, Replacement & Preventative Maintenance

Misconception: A home comfort system is ok if it looks and sounds ok
Your Boise air conditioning system may need repairs even if it appears to be functioning properly or on the verge of failure without any warning signs. Only a qualified technician at Access Heating & Air Conditioning can tell you whether your system needs servicing or repair. This is why it’s important to schedule preventive maintenance tune-ups every year.

Misconception: No need for preventative maintenance

Many homeowners believe that preventative maintenance isn’t really necessary. This is possibly the biggest misconception in the HVAC industry. It’s extremely important to have your system checked twice a year: one time during the spring and again during the fall. Preventative maintenance is a solid investment that will save you from higher utility expenses and unnecessary repair costs.

Misconception: It’s cheaper to run an old system than get a new one, even if the old system is less efficient.

Your HVAC system is one of the most important elements in your home. Keeping track of how efficiently and effectively it is running is crucial in knowing when it is time for a replacement. While a new furnace or Boise air conditioning system is a major investment, the cost savings of running a safer and more efficient system will help pay for itself while lowering your energy bills.

Access Heating & Air Conditioning

Access Heating & Air Conditioning is happy to help answer any questions you may have while debunking any common myths and misconceptions about your home comfort system. Whether you need your existing system maintained or serviced, we are here to provide you with the information, choices, and skills you need to make your home as comfortable and healthy as possible. Give our Meridian office a call at (208) 855-2444 or fill out our online form today!

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