Happy April Fools’ Day! Today, it is best to stay on alert so you can avoid falling for simple jokes and pranks that test your gullibility. While the origin of this day is unclear, many partake in this day for harmless fun and the sake of lighthearted laughs. However, as your trusted local heating and cooling experts, Monroe Heating & Air is not in the business of fooling anyone. In fact, we wanted to use this day and make it a point to debunk some common HVAC myths! There is a vast array of online information out there, and separating fact from fiction is a must! So, we’re here for you! Let’s navigate through some of the most common HVAC myths together.
1 – The HVAC Myth That “Thermostat Placement Doesn’t Matter”
One common HVAC myth is about where to place the thermostat. It’s often misunderstood that the thermostat’s location doesn’t matter, but that’s not true. Consider this myth busted! Why? Because your thermostat reads the temperature in your home and works together with your HVAC system, it knows when to put out and regulate the air. Think about it. If your thermostat is near a heat source like a fireplace or in the direct line of sunlight, or a drafty spot like a window or exterior door, it has a high chance of getting an incorrect reading of the temperature in your home. When this happens, your HVAC system’s air output will be adversely affected. So, placing it in any ‘ole spot can confuse the system and cause issues.
To counter this particular myth, make sure your thermostats are installed on interior walls away from heat sources or drafty areas. Remember, near windows or exterior doors is not really suggested either; hallways are a great spot! So, if you need a new thermostat installed or perhaps need to relocate a badly positioned thermostat in your home, it would be best to contact a certified professional to complete the job.
2 – The HVAC Myth That “Setting Your Temperature Lower or Higher Than Needed Will Make Your System Work Faster”
There’s a common misconception that adjusting your thermostat to extreme temperatures speeds up heating or cooling. In reality, HVAC systems have a set airflow pace, no matter what setting they are on. This means that your system produces air at the same speed regardless of how high or low the temperature is set. So, changing the temperature won’t affect how quickly your home reaches the desired temperature. In fact. following this myth only wastes energy by overshooting the mark. Simply set your preferred temperature and let your HVAC system do its job efficiently.
If you often face this issue more than once and need your home set at a certain temperature at a certain time, consider getting a smart thermostat. It lets you adjust the temperature remotely via a smartphone app, ensuring your ideal temperature when you return. You can also set it to coincide with your daily schedules so it adjusts the temperature based on your routine. No need to wait!
3 – The HVAC Myth That “Changing Your Air Filters So Often Is Not Really Necessary”
If you’ve heard it once from us before, you’ve likely heard it many times: changing your air filters is crucial! Yet, some believe it’s not necessary to change your HVAC system’s air filters frequently. Let’s clarify this HVAC myth – regular filter changes are essential and advantageous!
Let’s consider this. What exactly do air filters do? Air filters are part of your HVAC system to filter out dust and other particles from the air in your home. Your system works ‘round the clock to circulate the air in your home. So, it’s important for unwanted particles to be properly filtered out. This helps prevent contaminants from getting into your HVAC system and causing issues. It also keeps the pollutants from infiltrating your home, where you and your family will breathe them. If these tiny particles are not taken care of, they can negatively impact your home’s indoor air quality. To tackle this, changing your air filters every 1-2 months is best. So, stay safe and healthy by constantly changing your air filters!
4 – The HVAC Myth That “Scheduling Your Seasonal Maintenance Checkups and Tune-ups Is Not Important”
We’ve saved the best for last – preventative maintenance. This refers to the seasonal checkups for your air conditioner and furnace. When did you last service your units? Do you keep up with these checks or only call when something’s wrong? Now, we understand it might seem like a routine business tactic, but it really is crucial to stay on top of your preventative care. Your air conditioner and furnace are complex machines that work nonstop to keep your home comfortable. We should never skip annual checkups for our bodies. And just like we change the oil and tune up our cars regularly, our HVAC system needs attention, too!
As a homeowner, its wise to ensure your units are ready and durable for the upcoming weather each season. So, be sure to stay on track with scheduling your furnace maintenance checks in early fall and air conditioning maintenance checks in late spring or early summer. Plus, as a bonus, keeping up with these checks also maintains your manufacturer’s warranty.
Hopefully, this HVAC blog has provided clarity and helped you decide on some of the best way to upkeep your home’s HVAC system. Distinguishing truth from myths about your HVAC can be tricky, but we’re always here for you, committed to honesty and transparency. Interested in more HVAC care tips? Feel free to explore our other blogs!
Call Monroe Heating & Air today at (513) 540-4890, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
