5 HVAC Myths That Could Be Costing You...

Over the years, we’ve encountered our fair share of wild HVAC myths. Some of these are relatively harmless, but others can lead to some seriously costly repairs, wasted energy, and a double dose of frustration.That’s why today we’re busting the top 5 HVAC myths that have plagued savvy homeowners for years. So sit back, grab a cold drink, and let’s get to myth-busting!

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MYTH 1: It’s better to turn your AC to a higher setting when you’re not home than to turn the system off completely.

I get it, you don’t want your house to be a sauna when you get home from work, so you don’t love the idea of turning off your A/C unit ALL the way. But turning up the thermostat during the day isn’t the solution either - at least not a good one for your wallet. Leaving your AC set to a higher temperature during the day only wastes energy and money. The truth is that it always saves more in the long run to simply shut your system off when you’re not using it. When you turn your unit off, you’re saving energy and giving your HVAC system a well-deserved break.

MYTH 2: You only have to change your HVAC system’s filter once a year.

This is one of the biggest HVAC myths out there, and it’s also one of the most dangerous. A dirty filter clogs the system and reduces airflow, which can cause your system to overheat and even catch fire. Yikes! You definitely don’t need to be dealing with that headache. Pro tip? Clean or change your filter every few months while the system is operating. This will ensure that your system is running efficiently and reduce the risk of a fire.

MYTH 3: An energy-efficient unit will automatically reduce my bill.

Unfortunately, not. While having an energy-efficient unit is a good start to reducing your energy bills, it’s not the whole story. Just like buying a fancy road bike and a spandex leotard doesn’t make you the next Lance Armstrong, purchasing an energy-efficient HVAC unit doesn’t guarantee anything on its own.

For instance, if you’ve got leaky window seals and poor insulation, that HVAC unit won’t be very efficient or effective. In fact, it will have to work even harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, which will, in turn, increase your monthly costs. Kind of ironic, huh? So, if you’re looking to save money on your energy bill, start by sealing up those air leaks and making sure your insulation is up to par. You can always splurge on the fancy equipment later.

MYTH 4: Closing the vents in empty rooms will increase the energy efficiency of my unit.

This myth is just plain wrong. Closing vents can increase air pressure in the ducts, causing leaks at the vent seams. This can lead to wasted energy and decreased efficiency. Your HVAC system is designed to work with a certain amount of airflow, and closing vents disrupts that balance. So, keep those vents open and let your HVAC system do its job.

MYTH 5: I don’t need routine maintenance for my HVAC unit, it’s still pretty new and hasn’t had any problems so far.

Oh boy, this one is a doozy.

Your HVAC system needs regular check-ups, like you need your daily dose of caffeine. This isn’t just a silly misconception; it’s a dangerous myth that can lead to costly repairs down the line. Like your car, your HVAC unit is a complex mechanical system that needs annual tune-ups. Just because it hasn’t had any problems yet doesn’t mean you should forgo preventative maintenance. That’s like waiting for your engine to catch fire before getting an oil change! It just doesn’t make sense.

Completing regular “check ups” can save you from major problems down the line. When it comes to your HVAC system, it is always better to catch a problem early on than to wait until it becomes a big-ticket issue.

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So, there you have it, folks! Five HVAC myths officially busted, with a little humor and fun thrown in for good measure. Remember to turn off your system when you're not using it, change your filter regularly, seal up air leaks, keep those vents open, and schedule annual maintenance. Your HVAC system will thank you, and so will your wallet. And if you ever have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Climate Care. We're always happy to help keep your home comfortable, efficient, and affordable.