Common HVAC Myths
A myth is one way we try to explain something we really don’t understand. There are many misconceptions about residential HVAC (heating, cooling, air conditioning) units. What you don’t know can hurt you, your family, and your budget, so let’s examine some of the common HVAC myths.
6 HVAC Myths Debunked
1. An Energy-Efficient HVAC System is All You Need to Lower Monthly Bills
An energy-efficient HVAC unit will certainly go a long way toward lowering your monthly energy bills. Your home also needs good insulation and window seals. In the Phoenix area, it’s best to keep window coverings tightly closed in the summer and open in January, when temperatures dip into the 40s.
2. Bigger is Better
You might think if you’re going to invest in a new HVAC system you may as well get the biggest bang for your buck. What you’ll likely get is an inefficient HVAC system that cycles on and off too frequently.
This HVAC myth can lead to an upsell by an unethical HVAC company and your HVAC unit wearing out far too soon.
3. If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
This HVAC myth perpetuates low to no maintenance, which can cause your system to run less efficiently (and raise monthly energy bills). It can lead to frequent repairs (which are more expensive than frequent maintenance) and unit replacement sooner than with proper maintenance.
4. It Doesn’t Matter Where the Thermostat is Located
This particular HVAC myth is just wrong. Your thermostat should be placed where an accurate reading is most likely. If it’s on a wall that receives direct sunlight or above a cold-air vent, it can trigger incorrect readings. That’s why you never put a thermostat in a kitchen. Hallway airflow is different from room-to-room airflow, so a hallway thermostat may also be problematic.
5. It’s Better to Leave Your AC On When You Are Away
This circular logic leads us to believe you should leave your AC on as usual when you’ll be away for long periods of time. It is supposed to save energy but really doesn’t. Savvy homeowners invest in remote, programmable thermostats for that very reason.
During the day when everyone is gone, you should program your temperature to provide just enough cooling to keep plants and pets safe. Your home can cool down to your desired temperature when the family reunites in the afternoon.