It’s April Fool’s Day! But since Five Star Heating & Cooling Group is not in the business of making fools out of anyone, we have taken it upon ourselves to use this time to bust some common HVAC myths about HVAC systems. Truthfully, there is quite a bit of misinformation out there regarding HVAC systems, and we understand how difficult it can be to navigate through the sea of misleading information. As your long-time local heating and cooling experts, we’d love to walk you through deciphering fact vs. fiction and knowing exactly what methods and best practices are to keep your HVAC system running for years to come.  

Busted! – The HVAC Myth that The lower or Higher the Temperature, the Faster the Home Will Be Cooled/Warmed    

This first myth gets a lot of people. Have you ever been in a pinch where you suddenly need to get your home cooler (or warmer) and have it done fast? So, you crank the temperature on the thermostat lower (or higher) in the hopes it will do its job faster. Well, we hate to break it to ya, but that’s not how your thermostat and HVAC system works. Most systems distribute air at a steady rate no matter what the temperature is set at. This means that whether you have your air set to 50 degrees or 70 degrees, it will still push out air at the same rate. Ultimately, you are only wasting energy by letting it reach a lower or higher level than needed.  

Counter this myth by simply setting your thermostat at your desired temperature. Then, sit back and let your system do its part at its own pace. If you are looking for a more energy-efficient and convenient way to stay on top of the temperature within your home, then consider installing a smart thermostat if you don’t have one already. When you are away from your home, you will be able to change the temperature with the convenience of your smartphone before you even step back into your home. This will eliminate the need for you having to wait to get your home cooled/warmed “fast”!  

Busted! – The HVAC Myth that The Placement of the Thermostat Is Not Important  

What about the placement of the thermostat? Does it matter? We have seen many DIY jobs where a thermostat was placed in the least strategic of places. But thermostat placement matters! Your thermostat’s purpose is to communicate with the HVAC system, letting it know when to put out air, distribute it, and regulate it. So, think about it: if your thermostat is placed near a heat source like a window with direct sunlight, fireplace, heater, or even a drafty area (like an exit door or window), then its temperature reading will be negatively affected and incorrect. With the false readings in play, your thermostat will communicate with your HVAC system and confuse it, leading to irregular and uneven temperatures throughout your home.  

Counter this myth by making sure your thermostat is placed inside an interior wall like a hallway and well away from heat sources or drafty spaces. Better yet, if you need to have a thermostat installed and don’t have experience in this specific area, it may be a good idea to consult a licensed HVAC technician for the job.  

Busted! – The HVAC Myth that The Air Filters Do Not Need to be Changed So Often  

Now, onto the air filter myth. If you’re a long-term customer with us, you likely know the drill already. We always reiterate the importance of changing your air filters regularly and on time. Per industry standards, it is recommended to change your HVAC air filters every 30-60 days. However, many people don’t do that, thinking it’s unnecessary to change them out often. But if you really stop to think about it, your HVAC system is in use all day long throughout the week. Its purpose is to keep dust and other airborne particles from infiltrating your HVAC system and your home. Air filters are meant to keep your home’s indoor air quality high, which affects the health of your system and YOU!   

Counter this myth by changing your air filters every 1-2 months, as suggested. You can take your home’s IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) further into your hands by utilizing high-quality HEPA air filters.  

Busted! – The HVAC Myth That Preventative Maintenance Is “Optional”    

We saved this myth for last because, frankly, it’s one of the most common ones, but it is extremely important to keep up with your preventative maintenance. And let’s be honest, while no one can FORCE you to schedule your seasonal maintenance checks, they really shouldn’t be considered “optional.” Just like you wouldn’t go years seeing a doctor for a checkup – the same goes for your HVAC system. After all, both your AC unit and furnace are complex forms of machinery that are used heavily 24/7 to keep you and your family comfortable. So, it makes sense to have them looked at by a professional regularly to ensure everything is running smoothly and to have things fine-tuned.  

Counter this myth by keeping up with your regular maintenance checks as recommended. It is advisable to schedule a seasonal maintenance check for your AC unit once in the spring or early summer and once for your furnace in the fall. This practice helps extend the longevity of your system and ensures your units are prepared to handle the upcoming season effectively. Moreover, keeping up with these seasonal maintenance checks helps maintain the validity of the warranty provided by your equipment manufacturer. 

Don’t be fooled by these common HVAC myths; instead, trust in the expertise of your local NATE-certified technicians from Five Star Heating & Cooling Group. Remember, while some HVAC myths may seem harmless, they can result in damage to your HVAC system, wasted energy, higher bills, and other costly mistakes that can even damage your HVAC system in the long term. If you’re interested in learning more about taking care of your HVAC system and preventative maintenance, feel free to check out the rest of our informational blogs!

Call Five Star Heating & Cooling Group for all your HVAC needs today at (614) 490-7550, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!