Debunking Common HVAC Myths
As HVAC professionals serving the Hurricane community, we hear a lot of advice get passed around. Some of it is helpful. A lot of it is not. Misinformation about your heating and cooling system can lead to wasted money, uncomfortable homes, and even expensive damage.
At Heatwave Solutions, we believe in giving you the right information. We want to help you make smart decisions about your comfort. Here are some of the most common HVAC myths we need to clear up.
Myth: A Bigger AC Unit is Always Better
The Myth
Many people think a larger, more powerful air conditioner will cool their home faster and more effectively. It seems logical that more power equals more cooling.
The Reality
An oversized air conditioner is actually very inefficient. It cools the air so quickly that it shuts off before it has a chance to remove humidity from your home. This leaves you with a cold but clammy feeling. The constant starting and stopping, called short cycling, also causes significant wear and tear on the unit and drives up your energy bills. We perform a detailed load calculation to ensure every new system we install is perfectly sized for your home.
Myth: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy
The Myth
This is one of the most common ideas we encounter. The thought is simple; closing the vents in a guest room or office you rarely use will redirect the cool air elsewhere and save money.
The Reality
Your HVAC system is engineered to work with a specific amount of airflow across the entire house. When you close vents, you increase the air pressure inside your ductwork. This strain can damage your blower motor, cause duct leaks, and make the whole system work harder than it should. It is best to keep all your vents open for balanced, efficient operation.
Myth: Annual Maintenance is Unnecessary if the System Works
The Myth
Many homeowners believe that if their AC or furnace is turning on and making cold or hot air, it does not need a professional tune up. They think “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
The Reality
Waiting for a problem is the most expensive way to maintain your equipment. Annual maintenance is preventative care, just like an oil change for your car. A tune up allows a technician to clean critical components, catch small issues before they become major breakdowns, and ensure your system runs at peak efficiency. This saves you money on utility bills and helps you avoid a sudden failure on the hottest day of summer.
Myth: Set the Thermostat Way Down to Cool Faster
The Myth
You come home to a hot house and want to cool it down immediately. The natural instinct is to crank the thermostat down to a very low temperature, like 60 degrees, thinking it will force the AC to work harder and cool faster.
The Reality
Your air conditioner works at one speed. It does not produce “colder” air when you set the thermostat lower. The thermostat is just a switch that tells the system to run until it reaches the target temperature. Setting it extra low will not change the speed of cooling; it will only make the system run longer, wasting energy when you eventually forget to turn it back up.
Myth: You Only Need to Change the Air Filter Once a Year
The Myth
The air filter is an out of sight, out of mind component. Some believe changing it once a year is plenty.
The Reality
A dirty air filter is your HVAC system’s worst enemy. It chokes off airflow, forcing the fan motor to work harder and driving up energy costs. A clogged filter can also lead to the indoor coil freezing over, which can cause serious damage. We recommend checking your filter every month. You should change it at least every 90 days, or more often if you have pets or allergies.
Get Expert Advice You Can Trust
Navigating the world of HVAC does not have to be confusing. Having the right facts helps you protect your investment and keep your family comfortable. If you have questions about your system or need reliable HVAC service anywhere from St. George to Cedar City, Heatwave Solutions is here to help.