>The HVAC industry is full of misinformation, half-truths, and downright falsehoods. From who needs what in their system to how often to clean filters, there’s plenty of misleading advice floating around out there. Some of this may come from a lack of knowledge or understanding on the part of the person offering advice, but much of it is simply false. Here are some of the most common HVAC myths debunked so you can stop believing everything you hear and start making informed decisions about your system and how best to maintain it throughout the year.

Routine maintenance isn’t necessary.

This is one of the most common HVAC myths, especially for people who have never owned or managed their own system before. But routine maintenance is essential for the health and longevity of any HVAC system. If you don’t clean your filters regularly, for example, they won’t be able to trap and remove the dust and other small particles that cause so much damage to your system. Likewise, cleaning your coils and other parts of your system on a regular basis is crucial for reducing the buildup of bacteria, mold, and other harmful organisms.Routine maintenance is also important for keeping your system in peak condition and preventing expensive repairs in the future. For example, if you have a leaking air conditioner, you may be able to stop the problem by cleaning the condensate drain. If you let a minor issue go unaddressed for too long, it can become a much larger problem. And if you don’t have the tools or knowledge to perform these tasks yourself, it may be worth hiring a professional to do it for you.

A central air conditioner is best for the home.

This may have been true in the past, but these days, there are many more options available when it comes to buying a central air conditioner. For example, you can now find ductless mini-split systems that are much more energy efficient and much less expensive than traditional central air. And if you’re in the market for a heating unit, you can choose from a wide range of high-efficiency gas, oil, electric, and even solar-powered systems.If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, it’s important to do your research so you can find the right one for your home and your budget. If you’re in a condo or apartment, you may want to look into a ductless mini-split system to avoid running wires through common areas. And if you’re looking to heat your home, you may want to consider a gas or oil-powered system that can be installed in a crawl space or attic, making it less intrusive than a forced-air system.

You don’t need to replace your HVAC system every 10 years.

This is another common HVAC myth that may come from the fact that you can’t see or touch your system to determine when it needs replacing. But the truth is, there are a number of signs that indicate when it’s time to replace your system. If your HVAC system is more than 15 years old, for example, it may be time to invest in a new system. Likewise, if you have a system that’s been modified or damaged by rodents or insects, you may also want to consider replacing it. If you have a system that’s been in place for more than 10 years and it’s still working well, it may be time to consider a full tune-up instead.A full tune-up, on the other hand, is not a replacement. It’s a maintenance service that includes a thorough cleaning of your system and all of its components. Likewise, if you notice that your system is running longer than normal and you’re having to run it on the same settings, it may be time for a tune-up.

Hot water heaters don’t need to be serviced.

This may be a common HVAC myth for home owners who have a hot water heater, but it’s not necessarily true. You should still have your hot water heater serviced every year to ensure it’s working properly and to reduce the risk of it breaking down at a critical time. And if you’ve got a new system in place, you’ll want to have it installed by a licensed technician so you can be sure it’s done properly. Likewise, if you’ve got an older system, you may want to consider having it serviced to make sure it’s working properly and won’t break down at a critical time.

You should only clean your system once a year.

This is another common HVAC myth that may come from the fact that many people don’t understand how a system works. For example, if you have a system that’s been running for several hours and you decide to clean it, you may think you’re doing a good job by cleaning out the dust and debris that has built up over the course of the year. But cleaning your system once a year may not be enough. You should also have a professional clean your system once a year to ensure it’s running smoothly and efficiently and to remove any buildup of bacteria and other harmful organisms that could cause damage if they’re not removed.

Rain gutters and downspouts are an important part of HVAC.

This may be a common HVAC myth that comes from the misconception that the two systems are in competition with each other. But the truth is, your gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in the health of your HVAC system. If your gutters are clogged or damaged, for example, they can prevent water from flowing away from your house and into the downspouts. Likewise, if your downspouts are clogged or damaged, they can prevent water from flowing away from your house and into the ground.Likewise, if your gutters are in bad condition, they can leak rainwater into your attic, which can damage your HVAC system. Likewise, if your HVAC system is leaking, it can damage your gutters and downspouts.

Conclusion

The HVAC industry is full of misinformation, half-truths, and downright falsehoods. From who needs what in their system to how often to clean filters, there’s plenty of misleading advice floating around out there. Some of this may come from a lack of knowledge or understanding on the part of the person offering advice, but much of it is simply false. Here are some of the most common HVAC myths debunked so you can stop believing everything you hear and start making informed decisions about your system and how best to maintain it throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Question

HVAC is defined as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. HVAC refers to the system that provides heating and cooling in both residential and commercial buildings.
The main purpose of an AC unit is keeping the air cool, whereas an HVAC unit is made to heat the air and push moisture out through the vents.
HVAC systems are designed not only to heat but also to cool the air in a residential and commercial buildings, it allows moisture to escape by providing ventilation.
HVAC's primary purpose is to provide thermal comfort and maintain a good quality of air indoors through proper ventilation with filtration.
Mostly, AC units use electricity, not gas. On the other hand, HVAC systems use both gas and electricity. A gas HVAC system uses gas to heat an area while the air conditioner cools your home using electricity.