Happy April Fools’ Day! Today, it’s best to stay on alert. While no one truly knows the exact origin of this day, many like to enjoy the harmless fun and lighthearted laughs. As your reliable local heating and cooling experts, New Albany Heating & Cooling we wanted to take this day to actually dispel some common HVAC myths. Because there’s no better time like the present to bust wrong information! With so much information online, separating fact from fiction is paramount. As always, you can count on us to help you navigate through the best HVAC practices together!
1 – The HVAC Myth That “Thermostat Location Doesn’t Matter Much”
One HVAC myth that pops up a lot is all about where to stick the thermostat. Some folks think it doesn’t matter where it goes, but that’s a no-go. Let’s debunk that myth! Why? ‘Cause your thermostat checks the temp in your place and teams up with your HVAC system to know when to kick in and adjust the air. This means that if your thermostat is installed near a toasty spot like a fireplace or gets a direct blast of sunlight, or even if it is in a drafty zone like by a window or exterior door, it’s likely to misread the temperature in your home. When this happens, it can throw off your HVAC system, leading it to put out air irregularly.
To counter this myth, just be sure your thermostats are set up on inside walls, away from heat sources or drafty spots. Avoid placing them near windows or exterior doors; hallways usually work well! If you’re looking to install a new thermostat or move one that’s currently in a bad spot, it’s best to reach out to a certified professional to get it done right.
2 – The HVAC Myth That “Setting Your Temperature Lower or Higher Makes the System Work Faster”
There’s this idea floating around that cranking your thermostat higher or lower than you need speeds up the heating or cooling process. We can see why this might seem like it makes sense, but it doesn’t. That’s because the truth is that HVAC systems typically have a consistent airflow pace regardless of the setting. So, adjusting the temperature won’t make your home reach the desired temperature any faster. In fact, enforcing this myth just wastes energy, letting your home reach a temperature you don’t need. Just set your preferred temp and let your HVAC system work its magic efficiently.
If you find yourself dealing with this problem frequently and want your home to be a certain temperature at specific times, think about getting a smart thermostat. With this nifty gadget, you can change the temperature from your phone wherever you are, making sure it’s just right when you get back. Plus, you can program it to match your daily routines, so it adjusts the temperature based on your schedule. No more waiting around!
3 – The HVAC Myth That “You Don’t Have to Change Your Air Filters That Often”
Changing your air filters is a big deal! So, please don’t fall prey to this particular myth. Some think you don’t need to swap out your HVAC system’s filters regularly. But we are here to adamantly clear up this HVAC myth – regular filter changes are a must and a plus! Let’s break it down. So, what’s the deal with air filters? They’re like the guardians in your HVAC system, filtering out dust and other unwanted airborne particles from harming your HVAC system and even the air in your home. Your system runs 24/7 to keep the air flowing in your home. As a result, it’s crucial to filter out those unwanted particles to avoid issues with your HVAC system. Plus, you don’t want those contaminants sneaking into your living space where you and your family breathe. If you let these little particles slide and don’t change the filters out as suggested, they can mess with your HVAC units and home’s indoor air quality.
To tackle this, just remember to swap out your air filters every 1-2 months or so. Stay safe and healthy, and keep your system in top-notch shape by staying on top of those filter changes!
4 – The HVAC Myth That “Scheduling Your Seasonal Maintenance Checkups and Tune-ups Is Not Important”
We’ve kept what we feel is the most important myth to end for the end – preventative maintenance. You know those seasonal checkups that you’re supposed to get for your AC and furnace? When was the last time you got them serviced? Do you stay on top of these checks or only call when something goes wrong? We get it; it might feel like a business move, but staying on top of your seasonal checks is so important. Your AC and furnace work hard to keep your home cozy. Just like you get regular tune-ups for your vehicles, you need to do the same for your HVAC system as well.
As a homeowner, it’s smart to make sure your units are prepped and sturdy for the changing of weather each season. So, remember to stay on top of scheduling your furnace check-ups in early fall and your AC checks in late spring or early summer. Bonus: Keeping up with these also keeps your manufacturer’s warranty intact.
Don’t fall prey to the abundance of misinformation out there! Hopefully, this HVAC blog has cleared things up and guided you in better maintaining your home’s HVAC system. Remember, sorting fact from fiction about your HVAC can be tricky, but we’ve got your back with expertise, honesty and transparency. Want more HVAC care tips? Feel free to check out our other informational blogs!
Call New Albany Heating & Cooling for all your HVAC needs at (614) 636-5002, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
