5 HVAC Misconceptions That Could Be Costing Your Business Thousands

When it comes to maintaining your business’s HVAC system, there’s no room for cutting corners. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is critical in keeping your workspace comfortable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective. 

Yet, many business owners unknowingly fall prey to common HVAC myths, leading to skyrocketing energy bills and expensive repairs.

If you’re unsure about the health of your HVAC system, contact a professional HVAC service to ensure you’re not losing money due to preventable issues.

HVAC Myths That You Must Stay Aware Of!

As long as modern heating and cooling systems have existed, there have always been some kind of HVAC myths regarding saving money or energy bills. These common myths further guide business owners to do things that cause harm to the furnace or air conditioner.

But you don’t have to worry! We have collected some sharable knowledge from the HVA experts that ended the HVAC myths. 

1. Myth: Regular Maintenance Isn’t Necessary

Fact HVAC: Regular maintenance is essential to keep your HVAC system running efficiently and to extend its lifespan. 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, neglecting HVAC maintenance can reduce energy efficiency by up to 30%. This inefficiency not only inflates your energy bills but also increases the likelihood of costly breakdowns. So, this HVAC myth? Makes no sense at all. 

Many business owners assume there’s no need to worry as long as they need notional. However, properly functioning components like filters, coils, and fins require regular cleaning and inspection. 

A neglected HVAC system will work harder to heat or cool your space, leading to unnecessary wear and tear.

Pro Tip: Schedule professional HVAC tune-ups at least twice a year. Preventive maintenance is far cheaper than emergency repairs or premature system replacement.

2. Myth: Cranking the Thermostat Heats or Cools Faster

Cooling Facts: Setting your thermostat to extreme temperatures will not cool or heat your space faster. Your HVAC system works at a consistent rate regardless of the temperature setting. Instead, it will run longer, wasting energy and potentially overworking itself.

This misconception often leads to higher energy bills and unnecessary strain on the system. For example, setting your thermostat to 50°F in the summer won’t cool your space any faster than setting it to 70°F. Instead, it keeps running until it reaches that unnecessarily low temperature.

Pro Tip: Use a programmable or smart thermostat to maintain consistent and energy-efficient temperatures during business hours and off-hours. According to Energy Star, these devices can reduce energy costs by up to 10% annually.

3. Myth: Bigger HVAC Systems Are Better

HVAC Facts: Many believe a larger HVAC system will more effectively heat or cool their space. However, an oversized system can lead to short cycling—a process where the system turns on and off frequently. Short cycling wastes energy and accelerates wear and tear, leading to premature system failure.

Conversely, an undersized system will struggle to maintain the desired temperature, running continuously and driving up energy costs. The key is finding the right-sized system for your business’s needs.

Pro Tip: Work with an HVAC professional to calculate your building’s load. This will ensure you invest in a system perfectly suited to your space and usage requirements.

4. Myth: Air Filters Only Need Changing Once a Year

Fact HVAC: Dirty air filters are one of the most common causes of HVAC inefficiency. While changing filters regularly might seem like a hassle, failing to do so can lead to reduced airflow, higher energy bills, and even system breakdowns.

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends checking and replacing HVAC filters monthly and at least every three months. However, filters may need to be replaced more frequently in businesses with high foot traffic or dusty environments.

Pro Tip: Set calendar reminders or automate filter deliveries to ensure you’re always on top of this crucial maintenance task.

5. Myth: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy

Cooling Facts: Closing vents in unused rooms might seem like a good way to reduce energy usage, but it can have the opposite effect. HVAC systems are designed to distribute air evenly throughout a space. When you close off vents, you disrupt the system’s balance, leading to increased pressure in the ductwork. This can cause leaks, reduce efficiency, and even damage your system.

A Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory study found that closing vents can increase duct leakage by up to 20%. Instead of saving money, you’ll pay more in energy costs and repairs.

Pro Tip: Consider investing in a zoning system to control airflow in specific areas. This allows you to customize temperature settings for different zones without disrupting the overall efficiency of your HVAC system.

The Financial Impact of HVAC Myths

Accepting the HVAC myths can have a significant financial impact on your business. Small Business Administration says energy costs are one of the top three expenses for small businesses. Inefficient HVAC systems can account for up to 35% of your building’s energy usage.

For example, if you fail to replace air filters regularly, it can increase energy consumption by 5-15%. On the other hand, neglecting routine maintenance can lead to repair costs averaging $300-$500 per visit. Over time, these costs add up, eating into your bottom line.

How to Protect Your Business

Avoiding these misconceptions and staying informed about HVAC facts can save your business thousands of dollars annually. Here’s how:

1. Partner with a Professional: Regular inspections and tune-ups by certified HVAC technicians can catch small issues before they turn into costly repairs.
2. Invest in Technology: Smart thermostats and zoning systems can optimize energy usage and reduce waste.
3. Educate Your Team: Ensure employees understand the basics of HVAC efficiency, such as proper thermostat usage and the importance of clear vents.
4. Monitor Energy Usage: Monitor your energy bills for unusual spikes, which could indicate HVAC inefficiency.

Don’t Fall For These HVAC Myths: Save Your Business Money  

Your HVAC system is critical to your business’s success, but misconceptions and neglect can lead to unnecessary expenses and system failures. 

By understanding the facts about HVAC systems and taking proactive measures, you can optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure a comfortable environment for your employees and customers. 

Don’t wait for problems to arise—contact a professional HVAC service today to keep your system in peak condition.

Understanding and addressing these common misconceptions will improve your bottom line and give you peace of mind, knowing your HVAC system is running smoothly and efficiently.