Happy April Fools’ Day! Today, it’s good to stay on high alert to dodge simple jokes and pranks that will really test your gullibility. While the origins of this day still remain a mystery, and no one truly knows how it started, many people across the world enjoy partaking in this day in the name of harmless fun and lighthearted laughs. Today, as your go-to heating and cooling professionals, we wanted to take a different approach. Upper Arlington Heating & Air doesn’t play tricks, so we wanted to use this day to “bust” some myths regarding your HVAC system. There’s a lot of information out there, and it can be challenging to sift through fact and fiction. There’s you can count on us, so let’s sift through a few of the most common ones together.
HVAC Myth 1 – “You Can Install Your Thermostat In Any Spot”
One HVAC myth that’s out there is all about the location of the thermostat – more specifically, that its location does not matter. People often think it doesn’t matter where it’s placed, but that’s not the case. Let’s bust that myth! Why? Well, your thermostat reads your home’s temperature and communicates with your HVAC system to control the air. Imagine this: If your thermostat is near a heat source, in direct sunlight, or even in a drafty spot (like near a window or exterior door), it might give the wrong temperature reading to your system. When that happens, it messes with your HVAC system’s airflow. So, installing just anywhere will confuse the system and lead to problems.
Instead, homeowners should make sure their thermostats are set up on interior walls inside, away from heat sources or drafty spots. Avoid placing them near windows or exterior doors; hallways work great! So, if you’re looking to install a new thermostat or relocate one that’s currently in a bad spot, it’s best to reach out to a certified professional.
HVAC Myth 2 – “You Can Set Your Temperature Lower or Higher Than Needed So It Will Make Your HVAC System Work Faster”
There’s this idea floating around that cranking your thermostat up or down makes the heating or cooling go faster. But here’s the scoop: HVAC systems stick to a set airflow pace, no matter how you adjust them. So, whether it’s set at a higher or lower temp, your system blows air at the same rate. Bottom line? Tweaking the temp won’t make your place cozy faster. Actually, trying this trick just wastes energy, letting your home reach a temperature you do not need. Just pick your preferred temperature and let your HVAC system work its magic efficiently.
If you find yourself dealing with this issue frequently and want your home to be at a specific temperature at a certain time, think about grabbing a smart thermostat. It allows you to change the temperature from your phone, making sure it’s just right when you get back. You can even sync it with your daily routines, so it adjusts the temperature according to your schedule. No more waiting around!
HVAC Myth 3 – “You Don’t Need to Change Your Air Filters Very Often”
Changing your air filters is super important! But, some folks think it’s no big deal to swap out your HVAC system’s air filters often. Let’s set the record straight on this HVAC myth – sticking to regular filter changes is key and really beneficial! Let’s think about this. Your system’s always chugging away to keep the air flowing. Air filters are set in place to keep out those unwelcome particles and dust from causing issues for your system. In addition, filtering out these contaminants from your home also boosts your home’s IAQ (indoor air quality.) If those little troublemakers are left unchecked, they can really mess with your indoor air quality and potentially even your HVAC system.
To handle this, remember to swap out your air filters every 1-2 months. Stay safe and healthy by staying on top of changing those air filters regularly!
HVAC Myth 4 – “You Don’t Need to Schedule Your Seasonal Maintenance Checkups and Tune-ups”
Lots of people don’t think preventative maintenance is all that important. We get it, it might just seem like a regular ole’ business tactic, but it’s super important to look after your HVAC units, even when you have no issues going. Your AC and furnace are complex forms of machinery that work ‘round the clock to keep your home cozy. They need to stay well-maintained and consistently tuned up if you want to keep them running smoothly and extend their lifespans.
As a homeowner, it’s smart to make sure your units are all set to handle the changing weather each season. So, remember to keep up with scheduling your furnace check-ups once a year in early fall and your AC check-ups once a year in late spring or early summer. As a bonus tip – staying on top of these checks also keeps your equipment manufacturer’s warranty valid.
Don’t fall victim to these common HVAC myths. Hopefully, this HVAC blog has cleared things up and guided you on keeping your home’s HVAC system in top shape. Sorting fact from fiction about HVAC can be tricky, but we’ve got your back, always keeping it real. Want more HVAC care tips? Check out our other informational blogs!
Call Upper Arlington Heating & Air today at (614) 490-7507, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
