As a homeowner, you rely on your heating and cooling system to keep your home comfortable year-round. But what if some common HVAC advice is actually driving up your energy bills or causing unnecessary wear and tear on your system?
At Lenz Heating & Cooling, we want to help you save money and avoid costly mistakes by setting the record straight. Let’s debunk five common HVAC myths that could be costing you more than you realize– and show you how to keep your system running efficiently.
Myth #1: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy
Some homeowners believe that shutting vents in empty rooms will help redirect air and lower energy bills– but this HVAC myth can actually cost you more in the long run.
Reality: Your HVAC system is designed to distribute air evenly throughout your home. When you close vents, it creates pressure imbalances in the system, forcing your HVAC to work harder. This can lead to:
- Higher energy consumption
- Increased strain on your system
- Potential duct leaks or damage
What to Do Instead:
- Keep vents open to allow proper airflow and maintain system efficiency.
- Ensure your system is balanced by scheduling a professional HVAC inspection.
- Consider upgrading to a zoned HVAC system for customized temperature control in different areas of your home.
Myth #2: You Only Need HVAC Maintenance When Something Breaks
Reality: Even if your heating and cooling system seems to be working fine, small, unnoticed issues can build up over time, causing:
- Increased energy consumption
- Poor airflow and uneven temperatures
- Wear and tear on essential components
- Unexpected breakdowns when you need your system most
Routine maintenance helps catch minor problems before they become major repairs, saving you money and extending the life of your system.
What to Do Instead:
Schedule preventive HVAC maintenance twice a year (summer and winter) to ensure peak efficiency and reliability. Lenz Heating & Cooling offers a comprehensive maintenance plan that includes:
- Two annual maintenance visits
- Air conditioner tune-up
- Furnace tune-up
- Exclusive discounts on repairs
Don’t wait until your HVAC system fails! Sign up for our $99 maintenance plan today and keep your home comfortable while avoiding costly breakdowns.
Myth #3: The Bigger the HVAC System, the Better
It seems reasonable to assume that upgrading to a larger HVAC system will provide better heating and cooling performance. In reality, an oversized unit can cause more problems than it solves.
Reality: An HVAC system that is too large for your home will short cycle, meaning it turns on and off frequently without running long enough to properly heat or cool your space. This leads to:
- Uneven temperatures and inconsistent comfort
- Higher energy bills due to excessive power usage
- Increased wear and tear, shortening the system’s lifespan
- Poor humidity control, making your home feel less comfortable
A system that is too big won’t run efficiently and will cost you more in the long run.
What to Do Instead:
Work with an experienced HVAC professional to determine the right size system for your home. At Lenz Heating & Cooling, we offer free consultations to assess your home’s heating and cooling needs and recommend the best solution for maximum efficiency and comfort.
Before upgrading your HVAC system, get expert advice to ensure you’re making the right choice. Contact Lenz Heating & Cooling today for a free consultation.
Myth #4: Cranking the Thermostat Up or Down Will Heat or Cool Your Home Faster
When your home feels too hot or too cold, it’s tempting to turn the thermostat way up or down to speed up the process. But this common belief doesn’t actually make your HVAC system work faster– it just increases energy usage and costs.
Reality: Your HVAC system operates at a fixed speed, meaning it delivers heated or cooled air at the same rate no matter how high or low you set the thermostat. Adjusting it to an extreme temperature won’t speed up the process– it just makes the system run longer than necessary, leading to:
- Higher energy bills
- Unnecessary strain on your HVAC system
- Inconsistent indoor temperatures
What to Do Instead:
For efficient and consistent comfort, set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature and allow your system to adjust gradually. Using a programmable or smart thermostat can help by automatically adjusting the temperature based on your schedule, ensuring energy savings without sacrificing comfort.
Myth #5: HVAC Filters Only Need to Be Changed Once a Year
Some homeowners believe that HVAC filters only need to be changed once a year, but this mistake can lead to higher energy bills, poor air quality, and even system damage.
Reality: A dirty air filter restricts airflow, making your HVAC system work harder to heat or cool your home. This can result in:
- Higher energy bills due to reduced efficiency
- Uneven temperatures and poor airflow
- Increased strain on your HVAC system, leading to costly repairs
- Worsened indoor air quality, especially for allergy sufferers
Neglecting your air filter for too long can even cause your system to overheat or freeze up, leading to preventable breakdowns.
What to Do Instead:
Check your air filter every month and replace it as needed. Most homes should have their filter replaced every 1-3 months, but if you have:
- Pets
- Allergies or asthma
- A high-pollen environment
Consider using a MERV 8 air filter and changing it more frequently to improve indoor air quality.
Want to keep your HVAC system running efficiently year-round? Schedule regular maintenance with Lenz Heating & Cooling to ensure clean air and lower energy costs.
Don’t Let HVAC Myths Drain Your Wallet– Call Lenz Heating & Cooling Today!
Believing common HVAC myths can lead to higher energy bills, costly repairs, and inefficient heating and cooling. The good news? With proper maintenance and expert guidance, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and keep your home comfortable year-round.
At Lenz Heating & Cooling, we provide honest, affordable service to homeowners throughout the Des Moines Metro area. As a veteran-owned, female-owned, locally-owned business, family-owned business, we believe in transparent pricing and never charge trip fees, diagnostic fees, or overtime fees.
Don’t let HVAC misinformation cost you more than it should. Call (515) 225-6446 or contact us online to schedule your service and get expert advice on keeping your HVAC system running efficiently.
