When it comes to heating and cooling your home, there’s no shortage of advice—some of it helpful, and some of it simply outdated or just plain wrong. As a trusted HVAC company in Knoxville, we often hear a number of persistent myths from our customers that can actually lead to higher energy bills, unnecessary repairs, or reduced comfort. In this article, we’re debunking six widespread HVAC myths to help you take better control of your home’s comfort and cut down on unnecessary energy costs.
Myth 1 - Turning Your AC Off When You Go Out Wastes Energy
Our HVAC technicians in Knoxville frequently hear homeowners claim that it’s more efficient to leave the AC running at a higher temperature while they’re away rather than turning it off and back on. This is a very common misconception. The fact is, shutting the system off entirely when it's not needed is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy use and cut down on utility costs. If you want to have more control over your home comfort, ask your HVAC company in Knoxville about a programmable thermostat. You can turn the AC off when nobody is home, then set it to come back on shortly before you are scheduled to return, meaning your home is at the desired temperature when you arrive!
Myth 2 - Filters Only Need to be Changed Once a Year
Did you know that the number one reason customers have to call an HVAC company in Knoxville is dirt and neglect? When your filter gets clogged up with dust, dirt, and other debris, the airflow is significantly reduced, and the system has to work harder to maintain your preferred comfort level. This can result in additional wear and tear on components, which in turn means more frequent breakdowns! You should be changing your air filter every 1 to 3 months, depending on your household’s needs. If you have pets or anyone in the home has a respiratory illness or allergies, you will want to swap out the filters more often.
Myth 3 - The Bigger HVAC Unit, The Better!
When it comes to HVAC systems, going bigger doesn’t always mean better performance. It is important to get the most appropriate-sized unit for the size of your property. If the unit is undersized, it will struggle to maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home. Too big and it is going to keep cycling on and off, which not only costs you more in utility bills, but will also shorten the lifespan of the unit. If you are having a new HVAC system installed, talk to your local HVAC company in Knoxville to discuss the best size of unit to suit your property.
Myth 4 - It Doesn’t Matter Where I Put The Thermostat
You might think that the placement of your thermostat doesn’t really matter. After all, it’s just a control panel, right? Wrong! If you place the thermostat too close to vents, radiators, or windows, it may get a false reading and shut down the system too soon, or keep it running for longer! Listen to your HVAC company in Knoxville when they recommend the best location to install the thermostat!
Myth 5 - It’s Good to Close Vents in Unused Rooms
Many people assume that shutting off heating or cooling in unused rooms is a smart way to save on energy costs. This leads many homeowners to close off vents in those unused rooms. However, may do more harm than good! Closing vents off is going to increase the pressure inside the ductwork, and eventually it will lead to leaks at the seams of your vents. If you want to control the temperature in different areas of your home, ask an HVAC company in Knoxville about zoning your system instead.
Myth 6 - Routine Maintenance Isn’t Necessary
Have you arranged a regular maintenance schedule for your HVAC system? If the answer is no, then you could be on a fast track to disaster! It is a common misconception that you don’t need to maintain your HVAC; just get it repaired if it breaks down. But that’s simply not accurate. Much like your vehicle, your HVAC system requires at least yearly maintenance to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. As an HVAC company in Knoxville, we recommend two maintenance visits per year - once in Spring to prepare for cooling in the summer months, then again in Fall to make sure you have heat through the winter. It may seem like an additional expense, but it will save money in the long run since any problems can be found and addressed in the early stages before they cause a major breakdown.
Relying on these widespread HVAC myths might be draining your comfort, energy, and finances. Whether it’s how often to change your air filter or where to place your thermostat, making informed decisions can extend the life of your system and improve your home’s energy efficiency. If you’re unsure about any aspect of your HVAC system, reach out to a trusted HVAC company in Knoxville—you’ll get expert advice that’s grounded in experience, not misinformation.
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Gent Heating and Cooling provide heating and air conditioning for residential and commercial clients in Knoxville, Knox County, and the surrounding East Tennessee area. Over 20 Years experience. Customer Service is Our Top Priority. We strive to be on time, provide accurate estimates, and have most replacement products on our service vehicles.
Call 865-213-3818 or email office@genthvac.com
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