It’s easy to forget about your HVAC system when things are working smoothly. Your home is at your preferred temperature, the inside air feels fresh and clean and no noise escapes from the air vents. In fact, people often don’t give the system a second thought until a problem arises. That tends to happen at an inconvenient time. Below are some common HVAC myths that, if addressed, can keep your HVAC system working smoothly.

My home is spotless, why do I need to change out my filters?

While you may keep your home spotless, the filter on your HVAC unit is still prone to getting clogged up. Yes, it may require replacement less often, but it still needs to be replaced. A filter can become clogged with particles that may escape typical housekeeping or become airborne as a result of the cleaning process. Your filter replacement is recommended as follows:

• 1-inch and 2-inch air filters should be replaced every one to three months
• 3-inch and 4-inch filters require replacement after six to nine months
• 5-inch and 6-inch air filters need a change after nine months to one year

An unattended filter increases system wear, reduces system performance and can affect the air quality of the home. Often times this can result in a service call. A clogged filter can cause restrictions in the unit resulting in a non-cooling air conditioner.

Changing my filter is enough to keep my system operating smoothly correct?

Changing out your filter regularly is a very important part of keeping your system running effectively and efficiently but just changing out your filters will not guarantee ongoing reliability. It is the bare minimum when it comes to the maintenance of your system.

I have always been told… If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it!

Regularly scheduled maintenance of your HVAC system is the key to keeping it running smoothly throughout its lifespan. A breakdown could result in a costly repair. Initiating a regular maintenance service is not only cheaper than a breakdown, you can also schedule it at your own convenience.

Ongoing maintenance will maintain your unit’s efficiency and effectiveness. An absence of a maintenance record could affect the manufacturer’s warranty if a claim is needed. Your manufacturer’s literature usually outlines the maintenance types and frequency expected in order to maintain your warranty protection.

Bigger is better, Right?

When installing a new HVAC system, the temptation can be to go big to ensure that you’re heating and cooling needs are met. An oversized system is not only more costly to install, it could also be more costly to run while being less efficient. These systems tend to cool or heat quickly and then shut off.

I’ll run my old HVAC unit until it can’t run anymore!

As these units deteriorate, not only do they not heat or cool your home effectively, they also take a lot more energy to do so. If your system is reaching the end of its effective life span it is sometimes recommended changing it out for a new efficient system which will begin paying for itself immediately with lower running costs and effective heating and cooling.

Thermostat location doesn’t matter… Does it?

Thermostats are by design and can be extremely sensitive. They need to be located in a suitable location to control your system properly. A suitable location is out of direct sunlight, away from cold sources such as open windows/doors, at a suitable height and away from internal sources of heat.

Example: If your thermostat was placed correctly originally only for a TV to be installed in front of it later then it’s likely that it is not reading the actual temperature in a space, and therefore not controlling your system correctly.

If your system is not heating or cooling as effectively as before then that could be a sign that a service is required.

Don’t believe the myths. Talk to us at FROST about we can get your HVAC system operating smoothly, efficiently, and effectively. Call us today (520) 771-8297