Happy April Fools’ Day! Today is a time to stay alert and avoid falling for simple jokes and pranks that may reveal your gullibility. While the exact origins of this day are unclear, it is a popular occasion for harmless fun – all in the spirit of laughter. However, as your trusted heating and cooling specialists, LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling, we pride ourselves on transparency and honesty. As such, we have taken it upon ourselves to debunk common HVAC myths and set the record straight about them. With the vast amount of information available online, distinguishing fact from fiction can be daunting. Let’s dive in!
HVAC Myth 1 – The Thermostat
One common HVAC myth we’ve encountered pertains to the placement of the thermostat. It’s often misunderstood that the thermostat’s placement doesn’t matter. However, this notion is far from accurate. The thermostat serves as the temperature reader in your home and acts as the primary component that communicates with your HVAC system. It informs the system when to activate it, and it controls air distribution and regulation. So, if your thermostat is positioned near a heat source or drafty area, it may give an inaccurate temperature reading, leading to inconsistent air output from your HVAC system.
Placing your thermostat near heat sources like direct sunlight, fireplaces, heaters, or drafty areas such as windows and exit doors can lead to system confusion and unnecessary issues. Instead, for optimal performance, it’s best to install thermostats on interior walls away from heat sources and drafts. Keep in mind, that spaces like hallways typically are the most ideal.
HVAC Myth 2 – The Temperature
There exists a common misconception regarding the impact of adjusting your temperature setting on the speed of heating or cooling your home. Allow us to clarify this misunderstanding. HVAC systems operate with preset air distribution rates, regardless of your temperature setting. This means that the rate at which your home reaches the desired temperature will remain constant no matter what it is set on. So, setting your temperature higher or lower than needed will not aid in your cooling or warming your home any sooner. In fact, the only thing that will happen is higher energy consumption, letting your home reach a temperature you did not need in the first place.
If you frequently face the issue of needing your home’s temperature to be regulated quickly, consider investing in a smart thermostat. By using a smart thermostat, you can conveniently adjust the temperature via a smartphone app even when you’re not at home. This way, you’ll come back to the perfect temperature without any waiting required.
HVAC Myth 3 – The Air Filters
Another common belief is that frequent air filter changes are not really all that necessary. But this is just another myth on our list that we are here to bust. Changing your air filters is crucial for your HVAC system’s efficiency. They filter our airborne contaminants and loose particles from the air within your home. This prevents particles and loose debris from obstructing your HVAC system; moreover, it also helps boost the air quality in your home, ultimately affecting your health. We cannot emphasize enough how regular filter changes are necessary and beneficial for optimal performance.
Maintain optimal air quality in your home by regularly changing your air filters every 1-2 months. This is recommended to ensure a healthy environment and a healthy HVAC system. Stay proactive in keeping your home safe by regularly replacing your air filters as suggested for improved air quality.
HVAC Myth 4 – The Maintenance
We have one of the most common HVAC myths for last – preventative maintenance. Many people believe that keeping up with your seasonal maintenance checks is not as important as is said. We understand that it may appear to be a routine business practice to prompt you to book your seasonal checkups, but it’s more than that. Your air conditioner and furnace are intricate pieces of machinery that operate continuously to maintain a comfortable and habitable home. Just as we prioritize routine checkups for our health and regular oil changes for our cars, it’s equally important to care for your HVAC system. Therefore, prioritizing maintenance for your heating and cooling units is a proactive way to ensure they continue to function optimally.
As a homeowner, preparing your system for the upcoming season is key. Schedule seasonal maintenance for your furnace in early fall and for your air conditioning unit in late spring or early summer. Keeping up with these maintenance checks also keeps your manufacturer warranty valid! So, it’s a win-win all around.
It’s true; distinguishing truth from myths in HVAC care can be challenging. Rest assured, our team is dedicated to serving you with integrity and transparency. We hope this has enlightened you and steered you in the right direction when it comes to caring for your home and HVAC system. Interested in enhancing your HVAC system maintenance knowledge further? Feel free to explore our other informative blogs!
We value your trust and are committed to maintaining it. Call LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling for all your HVAC needs today at (614) 837-4822, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
