Heating and cooling facts and fictions are rampant, so how can you tell the difference?Sometimes the information is outdated, like when your mom talks about how dangerous boilers can be (and they very well may have been during the Great Depression). Perhaps you’ve heard that an air conditioner releases dangerous toxins (which technically it can if it has a Freon leak due to lack of maintenance). Heating and cooling systems are complex, and many homeowners do not know the details of how their HVAC system works.
Following are some of the biggest heating and cooling whoppers debunked. You are not expected to be an expert on heating and cooling, but you should know the basics of how your system works. That way, you won’t unnecessarily choose discomfort or avoid a necessary upgrade. Knowledge is power, starting with these HVAC myths:
1. Heating/cooling a home is expensive.
It can be, but not if you have the right-sized system for your home along with best practices and proper insulation. Of course, if you have 20-foot vaulted ceilings, want to heat your entire 5,000-square-foot home to a balmy 95 degrees and are trying to force the wrong-sized system to do it all, you’re going to pay the price. Many factors are at play with price, and having the right well-maintained HVAC system for you is one of them.
2. Forced heat is the only option.
Forced heat from a furnace is by far the most popular option in the United States, but it’s not the only option. A boiler offers radiant heat via tubes that are installed in the floor (best choice), walls or ceiling. Boilers are much more expensive up front, but are more energy-efficient and require less maintenance. It is up to homeowners to decide which they prefer.
3. Air conditioners are full of toxic chemicals.
Spoiler alert: A lot of things are full of toxic chemicals, such as your car and old mercury thermometers. This isn’t a problem as long as the chemicals stay where they are supposed to be. Freon, a coolant in A/C units, can be dangerous if consumed. That is why annual inspections are critical for safety and to maintain any warranties that may still be valid.
4. You can take care of maintenance yourself.
You can do a few things yourself safely, such as swapping out air filters, but be careful. You may void warranties if you do not have a professional take care of your HVAC system’s bigger maintenance tasks. It can also be dangerous to poke around at steam boilers or the electrical panel of a furnace. It is best to play it safe.
HVAC systems are complex. Contact your local Complete Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning experts today for an inspection, repairs or new installation of your heating and cooling system.
