When it comes to maintaining your heating system–whether you use a furnace or a heat pump–there are a few care tips that we’ll never stop talking about. Professional tune-ups, for example, are always recommended. For traditional furnaces, you should be getting professional maintenance done once a year, while for a year-round heat pump system that both cools and heats, maintenance should be done every 6 months since this type of equipment gets a lot more use.
Did you know, however, that there might be some heating system myths that are getting in the way of caring for your system, and in the way of your comfort? In addition to providing quality HVAC services all year long, we’re happy to help bust some common heating system myths so you can properly address any issues you might be having with your furnace or heat pump, and enjoy long-lasting equipment. Read on to learn more!
Myth #1: Your Heat Pump Needs Routine Refrigerant Refills
Heat pumps work a bit differently from more conventional furnace systems. Well actually, they work a lot differently. They’re actually more like your air conditioner, in the sense that they use refrigerant to transfer heat. Central air conditioners and heat pumps draw heat out of your home in the summer, and return chilled air. What makes the heat pump different, though, is that this process can be reversed via a component called a reversing valve, and your heat pump will provide heat into your home instead–via that refrigerant instead of using heat exchangers.
Refrigerant is charged (filled) into your heat pump during manufacturing, and should ideally last the system’s entire lifespan. If your system is losing refrigerant, it means that there is a leak. We must locate that leak and repair it before you can begin using your heat pump efficiently again. If you’ve been told that refrigerant always needs to be recharged on a routine basis, then unfortunately you weren’t talking to the right HVAC pros!
Myth #2: Closing Off Your Vents Will Save You Money
Let’s say that you have a room or two that doesn’t really need as much heat. Maybe it’s a guest room that isn’t being used this year. Or perhaps it’s a bedroom of someone who doesn’t have strong heating preferences. Whatever the case, your instance may be to close the vent to that room in the case of a forced-air furnace or heat pump system.
The problem with this concept is that all you’re doing is creating an airflow imbalance, which will only cause your system to either run longer than it needs to in order to reach the desired temperature on your thermostat, or it will short-cycle, turning on and off rapidly–which is really hard on the system.
Your heating system isn’t designed for vents to be shut. If you’ve been trying this solution, a better option for you may be to upgrade to a ductless system, which uses one outdoor unit connected to up to 4 indoor air handlers–no ducts! Each of these air handlers can be operated independently of one another, with their own thermostats. This means you don’t have to heat all the rooms in your home at once, saving you energy and money the right way.
When you need quality heater repair in Southern Vermont, look no further than HB Energy Solutions. Contact us today!
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