With spring nearly here in Sahuarita, AZ, you’ve probably heard some talk going around about how to save on your energy bills and maintain your HVAC system. Read on to learn about some of the common HVAC myths to help you and your family live comfortably.

1. The Location of Your Thermostat Doesn’t Matter

One of the most common HVAC myths is that your thermostat placement doesn’t matter. Where you put your thermostat matters as it will determine whether you’ll get the right readings or false readings. If you place your thermostat near windows or close to an air supply register, it will read that your room is warmer than usual. It will then turn on your AC, causing your system to run longer, thereby using up your energy, and that’s why we recommend using programmable thermostats.

2. You Only Need to Change Your Filter Once a Year

This isn’t true since changing your filter once a year means that you’ll have dirt and other contaminants clogging up your filter. It forces your system to work harder to provide the right heating and cooling; this makes it inefficient and uses more energy. You should contact our professionals at Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating to clean and change your filter monthly or even install an air purifier if you strictly wish to change your filter after one year.

3. Regular Maintenance Isn’t Important

Your HVAC system is a complex machine that needs maintenance. Get tune-ups regularly by professionals.

Your HVAC unit has many moving parts. Our service technicians will properly oil and lube them to make sure your unit’s performance peaks. We recommend you get a tune-up annually to save you from otherwise preventable repair costs later on.

4. A Bigger HVAC System Is Better

Bigger isn’t always better. Your home might not warrant a larger system.

A more extensive system with a high capacity will cost you more money on energy bills and decrease your system’s lifespan. It will make your system run on and off and then short cycle consistently. Our experts take the right measurements of your rooms and offer you a system with the same specifications whenever you need HVAC repair or replacement services.

5. Leaving Fans Running Lowers Room Temperatures

Room temperatures don’t drop whether you leave your fans on or off; they circulate air around the room. Instead, you’re only increasing energy consumption. You’ll need experts to install properly insulated windows and an energy-efficient air conditioner to cool your home as you approach the summer.

6. Closing Vents in Empty Rooms Increases Energy Efficiency

This isn’t right since air pressure will increase in the ducts and cause leaking to start when you close all vents. Therefore, air leaks from this room will mix with air from other rooms, causing heating and cooling loss. Our experts can fix the air leaks problem by offering proper caulking and upkeep to reduce your bills and increase your system’s efficiency.

7. Heating and Cooling Loss Is Due to Windows

It might be true at times, but if you take a keen look, you’ll notice that there are leaks in your ceiling, and your walls might not be well insulated. Air leaks are the primary cause of heating and cooling losses in your Southwest Arizona house. It would help if you got an expert to check your ceilings and walls for air leaks and poor insulation.

8. A Duct Tape for Ceiling Air Leaks Isn’t a Good Idea

This is false because this is actually the best way to seal your air leaks. However, you should have this done by a professional. You can also use aluminum foil tape and a mastic sealant to seal air leaks.

9. It’s a Waste of Energy to Turn Off Your AC When You Leave Your House

Turning off your AC when you leave your house is an excellent energy-saving practice. If your windows are properly insulated, they will maintain temperatures longer and keep air outside from getting into your home when you’re away.

Now that we’ve debunked nine of the most common HVAC myths, we hope you’ll contact Oasis Air Conditioning and Heating for window insulation, sealing air leaks, placing your thermostat and HVAC system repair and maintenance.

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