It’s April Fool’s Day, but we’re here to set things straight for our valued customers. Welcome to Five Star Heating & Cooling Cincinnati‘s guide for debunking HVAC myths and sharing best practices. Misinformation in the HVAC world is common, so join us as we uncover truths and avoid false HVAC myths today.
Myth – Air Filters Don’t Need to be Changed So Frequently
If you’ve been a customer with us before, you probably know this already: it’s important to change your air filters regularly, about every 1-2 months. Neglecting this task can cause problems like poor airflow, higher energy costs, and system breakdowns. Think of it like skipping an oil change for your car; it may seem small, but it can lead to big issues in the long run.
Counter This Myth with Best Practices: Set reminders to change your air filters on time. Invest in high-quality filters to boost indoor air quality and safeguard your HVAC system from dust and debris buildup.
Myth – Lower or Higher Temperature will Make Your House Colder/Hotter Faster
This myth is often misunderstood. Turning your thermostat way up won’t heat or cool your house faster. Most home HVAC systems blow air at a steady rate, no matter what the temperature setting is. So, cranking it up doesn’t mean your HVAC system will push out air faster; it just means more excessive energy will be spent, resulting in bigger energy bills.
Counter This Myth with Best Practices: For best results, set your thermostat to your preferred temperature and allow your system to adjust gradually. In addition, think about using a programmable thermostat (if you don’t have one already) to automatically manage temperatures according to your routine, offering convenience and saving energy.
Myth – Thermostat Placement Isn’t Important
This is another HVAC myth that truly needs to be busted. Where you put your thermostat really matters for your HVAC system’s accuracy and efficiency. If it’s near heat sources, like direct sunlight, fireplaces, or drafts, it can give the thermostat wrong readings, ultimately communicating with your system incorrectly, which will cause it to inaccurately cool or heat your home.
Counter This Myth with Best Practices: Place your thermostat in a central location on an interior wall, away from heat sources, windows, or drafts. For optimal placement based on your system and home layout, you can seek advice from your HVAC technician.
Myth – Preventative Maintenance Is Optional
This isn’t true at all. In fact, it could not be further from it. Unfortunately, many people think that preventative maintenance is optional, and while you cannot be forced to schedule a service appointment, preventive maintenance is indeed vital for the long-term efficiency of your HVAC system. Routine checks can help avoid sudden breakdowns, improve performance, and prolong the system’s lifespan. Consider it a checkup for your HVAC system; catching problems early can prevent expensive repairs down the road. On top of that, when you skip your seasonal maintenance checks, it actually voids the warranty provided by your equipment manufacturer.
Counter This Myth with Best Practices: Schedule yearly service appointments with a licensed HVAC company. Plan for one checkup in spring or early summer for your AC and another in fall for your furnace. These checkups involve cleaning, checking for wear and tear, and ensuring efficient operation. Being proactive can save you money and keep your system ready for each season.
Don’t fall prey to these common HVAC myths; they might seem harmless, but they could result in costly mistakes and harm your HVAC system. Knowing the right facts and following industry best practices ensures your system’s longevity, efficiency, and comfort. You can rely on your local NATE-certified technicians from Five Star Heating & Cooling Cincinnati for expert advice! If you’d like to know more about HVAC care and other tips, feel free to read our other informational blogs!
Keep cool (or warm) all year long with Five Star Heating & Cooling Cincinnati! Call us today at (513) 216-5011, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
