Can you cover a vent with aluminum foil?

If you notice a lot of air flowing in and out of air duct leaks, you can use mastic sealant or aluminum foil tape, also known as HVAC foil tape, to seal the gaps and cracks.

servicechampions.net - Don't Fall for These Heating & Cooling Falsehoods - Service Champions

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There’s a lot of misinformation out there, not just on April Fool’s Day. When it comes to making costly HVAC purchases, you want to know you can trust the technician you hire and the information you hear. Unfortunately, there are many HVAC myths that simply won’t go away. And these fake HVAC “facts” are costing homeowners real money, energy, and frustration. Too many people believe the lies you are about to read. You may fall for other jokes this April Fools, but don’t act a fool when it comes to these heating and cooling falsehoods.

Top HVAC Myths & Falsehoods

Air filters only need to be changed once a year

One HVAC myth you absolutely need to dispel is the idea that you only need to change (or clean) your air filter once or twice a year. Air filters absolutely need to be changed on a more regular basis. While there are several factors that affect how often you should change the HVAC filter, it’s a good idea to check every single month. Just 30 days of regular heating or air conditioning can clog the filter and begin to cause problems. A clogged air filter will cause more strain on the unit as it tries to draw air through all the trapped lint, dust, and dirt. In addition to harming your indoor HVAC components, the cleanliness of your filter affects worsens the quality of your indoor air. Learn more about the importance of air filters and how to choose the right one for your home. During low-use months, you may be able to wait 2-3 months before having to replace your filter, but don’t forget to at least check its status every 30 days. Wait no longer than 90 days to clean or replace it.

Duct tape is a good solution for sealing air ducts

A tightly sealed duct system is extremely important for the health and efficiency of your home. Ironically, duct tape is an extremely poor product for sealing air duct leaks. If you notice a lot of air flowing in and out of air duct leaks, you can use mastic sealant or aluminum foil tape, also known as HVAC foil tape, to seal the gaps and cracks. Unlike aluminum foil tape or mastic sealant, duct tape will quickly start to peel and unstick. Unfortunately, there will always be parts of your ductwork system that are inaccessible or dangerous to reach. If you suspect leaks in your duct system, schedule a duct testing immediately.

How hard is it to dismantle a shed?

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For comprehensive duct sealing guaranteed to work and save you money and energy, you need duct sealing services from a qualified pro. Using the safest and most effective materials, your Service Champions professional will seal your air ducts from beginning to end, which includes insulation and the outer reflective vapor barriers. Learn more about our signature PureFlow™ duct system.

The bigger the air conditioner, the cooler you’ll be

Nope! Never equate the size of the unit with the level of comfort you will experience. Every home needs a properly sized cooling system. In fact, if the unit is too big for the home, not only will installation and operating costs be higher, but it won’t even function properly. Common issues are frequent cycling on and off, high humidity, and poor air distribution. A correctly sized unit will offer your home the perfect level of comfort. The HVAC technician who performs your replacement or installment services should inspect your entire home to ensure you are getting the right-sized unit. They should never simply replace your current system with a similarly sized one. Do not risk installing the wrong unit. It’s an investment worth sizing right! Unfortunately, Energy Star states that over half of all HVAC systems in the U.S. do not live up to their rated efficiencies due to improper installation. Work with professionals who take pride in their job and don’t shortcut your comfort. Learn more about what to know before buying a new HVAC system.

Close the vents and you’ll save money

Somehow it is thought that if the vents are closed you’re not paying for the air. The truth of the matter is that your HVAC system will use the same amount of energy no matter what. The retort is then, “well if I close off vents in unused rooms, I’ll receive more conditioned air in the rooms I am using.” And the answer is that closing off vents in unused rooms can cause many problems that make it completely not worth it:

Increased pressure and duct leaks

Which is better foam wrap or bubble wrap?

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Are shed plans easy to follow?

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Pressurization and airflow issues throughout the home

Frozen evaporator coils

Dead compressors

Cracked heat exchanger

Humidity problems in the rooms with the closed vents

Your HVAC system was specifically designed for a certain amount of space, vents and registers. Vents need to be open at all times for everything to run as it should. It messes with the return air duct and causes pressure buildup that will actually cost you more in the long run. Blocking or closing HVAC vents is the foolish way to save! Learn more about why you should keep all your vents open, free and clear.

Leave ceiling fans on to cool the home while you’re away

A ceiling fan cools bodies, not rooms. Of course you feel cooler when a ceiling fan is blowing light air onto your sweaty skin. It’s like a cool outdoor breeze. They both cool your skin due to the effects of windchill. While fans can make you feel around 5 degrees cooler, a ceiling fan will do nothing to keep your space cool while you’re not in it. In fact, the running motor will only add heat to the room. Flip it on when you’re in the room and enjoy the benefits! You won’t need to set the thermostat as high, you’ll save some coins, and not have to sacrifice any comfort.

HVAC maintenance is a waste of money

This is a big misconception. It’s natural to be skeptical of anyone trying to sell you something, but if HVAC companies really wanted to make more money, they would advise against it. Bi-annual HVAC maintenance prolongs the life of your HVAC equipment and reduces the need for costly repairs. When your unit is healthy and efficient, the system is working for your comfort, not against your budget. Early spring is a great time for air-conditioning maintenance—right between the high use seasons of winter and summer.

servicechampions.net - Don't Fall for These Heating & Cooling Falsehoods - Service Champions