Happy April Fools’ Day! Today, it’s time to stay alert so you can avoid falling for simple jokes and pranks. While the origin of this day is unclear, many like to partake in this day as a way of enjoying some harmless fun and lighthearted laughs. While we know it’s all in good fun and humor, we wanted to take a different route this year. As your trusted local heating and cooling experts, your Springboro Heating & Cooling experts are here to debunk a few of the most common HVAC myths. In a world filled with a lot of misinformation, we felt what better day than today to bust some false HVAC information.
1 – The HVAC Myth That “Thermostat Placement Doesn’t Matter”
One common HVAC myth revolves around thermostat placement. It’s a misconception that the location of the thermostat doesn’t matter, but that’s incorrect. Consider this one busted! Your thermostat gauges the temperature in your home and then coordinates with your HVAC system to regulate the air output. So, if the thermostat is near a heat source, like a fireplace, in direct sunlight, or in a drafty spot, such as a window or exterior door, it may get inaccurate readings. When this happens, it can disrupt the HVAC system’s functioning. Ultimately, this means this particular HVAC myth is false, as placing the thermostat in any random spot can confuse the system, leading to issues.
To counter this false information, you want to make sure your thermostats are placed on interior walls, away from heat sources or drafts. Avoid positioning them near windows or exterior doors. Hallways are usually an ideal spot! If you need a new thermostat installed or perhaps need to relocate one, it’s best to hire a certified professional for the job.
2 – The HVAC Myth That “Setting Your Temperature Lower or Higher Than Needed Will Make Your System Work Faster”
There’s another frequent HVAC myth circulating that setting your thermostat to extreme temperatures speeds up heating or cooling. Perhaps you’ve been guilty of this at one time or another. Many believe that lowering or raising the temperature on the thermostat to a setting higher or lower than actually needed will make your HVAC system work faster and get to the true desired temperature much sooner.
However, most HVAC systems generally maintain a consistent airflow pace regardless of the setting. This means your system produces air at the same speed, no matter the temperature it is set on. So, adjusting the temperature won’t impact how quickly your home gets to the desired temperature. In reality, following this myth just wastes energy by letting your home get to a temperature you do not actually need. Instead, it would be best just to set your preferred temperature and let your HVAC system work at its own speed.
If you repeatedly encounter this problem and find yourself needing your home to be at a specific temperature at a certain time, think about investing in a smart thermostat. It allows you to change the temperature from your phone, ensuring your preferred temperature upon your arrival. You can even sync it with your daily routines for automatic adjustments, so you don’t have to bother with the hassle of adjusting it back and forth. This way, you can skip the wait!
3 – The HVAC Myth That “Changing Your Air Filters So Often Is Not Really Necessary”
If you’ve heard it from us before, you’ve probably heard it many times: changing your air filters is crucial! Some may think it’s not vital to do it often. But let’s clear this HVAC myth out of the way – regular filter changes are necessary and beneficial!
Why? What do they do? Air filters are a key part of your HVAC system. They work to remove dust and other particles from the air in your home. Your system runs all the time to keep the air circulating well. Thus, filtering out unwanted particles is crucial to prevent contaminants from entering your HVAC system and causing problems. It also stops these contaminants from spreading into your home, where you and your family breathe them in. As a result, if these tiny particles are left unchecked, they can harm your home’s indoor air quality. To address this, it’s best to change your air filters every 1-2 months. Keep yourself and your family safe and healthy by staying on top of regular air filter changes!
4 – The HVAC Myth That “Scheduling Your Seasonal Maintenance Checkups and Tune-ups Is Not Important”
We’ve got one more important topic to cover, and that’s preventative maintenance. This means having your air conditioner and furnace checked seasonally. When was the last time you had them serviced? Do you stay consistent with these checks or only reach out when something goes wrong? While it might sound like just another standard business practice, keeping up with preventative care is crucial. Your air conditioner and furnace are hardworking, complex machines that run continuously to maintain your home’s comfort. Just as we stay on top of changing the oil and tuning up our cars, the same needs to go for your HVAC system!
As a homeowner, it’s smart to prepare your units once a year for the cooler and warmer weather. Furnace maintenance should be scheduled in early fall, and air conditioning checks are typically scheduled in late spring or early summer. Keeping up with these also helps maintain your manufacturer’s warranty.
Hopefully, this HVAC blog has clarified things and assisted in choosing the best ways to maintain your home’s HVAC system. Sorting out facts from myths about your HVAC can be challenging, but just remember that we’re always here for you, dedicated to being honest and transparent. Want more HVAC care tips? Check out our other blogs!
Call Springboro Heating & Cooling today at (937) 600-6834, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
