Debunking 7 Common (and Costly) HVAC Maintenance Myths

When discussing equipment maintenance tips, certain expressions and cliches have always slipped into the conversation. While "lefty loosey, righty tighty" hasn’t let us down, other words of wisdom aren’t so easy to verify. Educated guesses and old habits have led to a number of maintenance misconceptions, especially for HVAC systems. To help sort fact from fiction, here are 7 HVAC myths, filtered and debunked for you.

Myth 1: “Set it and forget it” settings are the most cost-effective
- Truth: Sticking to one temperature can actually cost you more. Fans of this method argue that consistently running your HVAC system at one set temperature will use less energy than letting your unit cool down only to power it back up again. While leaving your thermostat set to one number will always keep your facility at a temperature to your liking, it’s an inefficient use of power that only costs you more. The cost-efficient course of action is to set the temperature to your liking during peak occupancy hours and allow for a more relaxed setting when occupancy is low. By adjusting your thermostat 7°-10°F away from its normal setting for 8 hours a day, you can save as much as 10% a year on your energy bill. A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature throughout the day for maximum efficiency.

Myth 2: When the weather’s nice, turn it off
- Truth: Good weather doesn’t equal good ventilation. Indoor comfort is about more than finding the right temperature. Even if the weather outside your facility is 68° and sunny, your indoor air can quickly feel tight and stuffy without the right air flow. A modern HVAC system manages the humidity levels inside your facility, providing indoor air quality that’s immensely more efficient than a few open windows. Plus, ventilation is about safety just as much as it is about comfort. If a lack of ventilation becomes the norm, your facility’s stale air risks harboring allergens, viruses, mold, and other pathogens.

Myth 3: If it’s not broken, don’t fix it
- Truth: If it needs maintenance, do it before it suddenly breaks. For a busy facility manager, the most urgent problems of the day typically take priority. But if a key piece of machinery is on the decline, addressing its maintenance needs now can avoid a major problem (and major costs) down the road. While budget constraints often dictate the when and how of facility spending, most facilities can gain from implementing a preventative maintenance routine, especially for their HVAC system. Ensuring your HVAC is running safely and efficiently can help replace the fear of an unexpected breakdown with peace of mind.

Myth 4: I can tackle minor maintenance myself
- Truth: Leave it all to the professionals. You likely wouldn’t try to patch a hole in your roof by yourself; you’d call a roofing expert. So why try to do the work of an HVAC technician? Even when it comes to seemingly minor tasks like changing the filter, it’s not a question of ability. It’s a question along the lines of, “What else might be wrong?” With a certified HVAC technician and the routine system inspection they provide, a normal filter replacement might help uncover a larger problem waiting to happen. Plus, relying on a professional can let you redirect your own expertise where it’s needed most, without leaving any doubts about your HVAC.

Myth 5: A bigger HVAC is a better HVAC
- Truth: A system sized to your facility is just right. Using an HVAC system that’s too small for your needs can create some big problems. But going too far in the other direction can lead to trouble, too. While more is typically better, the size and capabilities of your HVAC system should match the size of your facility to maximize efficiency and power usage. An exceptionally powerful system can consume more resources than your facility needs, leading to unnecessarily inflated power bills. A system of this size may also short cycle (or repeatedly start and stop without completing a full cycle) due to its space constraints. The powerful machine will overshoot the target temperature and turn off, depriving your facility of consistent cooling or heating. Short cycling can also place added stress on your HVAC components, wearing them out faster. While proper maintenance can help, you’ll ultimately need to replace your HVAC with a correctly sized unit.

Myth 6: Ceiling fans can cool just as well as A/C
- Truth: Fans can help you feel cooler, but not on their own. Like a breeze on a warm day, a ceiling fan can help whisk away body heat and lower your skin temperature (also known as the wind chill factor), making you feel cooler. But the same sensation doesn’t apply to room temperature. In order to fully cool down your facility, you’ll need a powerful A/C system. But don’t dismiss ceiling fans altogether; ceiling fans can provide an efficient addition to your cooling efforts, but only as a supplement to a reliable HVAC system. A well-placed fan can help you reach an ideal comfort level even at higher temperatures.

Myth 7: Closed vents prevent wasted heat (and dollars)
- Truth: Open vents mean better circulation (and savings). In winter, it’s common to close off vents in unused areas of your facility in an attempt to better direct heat. While it might sound efficient, closed vents actually create more inefficiencies for your air flow. Modern HVAC systems are designed to evenly circulate air throughout your facility. When air flow is blocked by a closed vent, the furnace ends up working even harder to compensate for the air that can no longer flow through the empty spaces into the active ones, wasting energy and costs in the process. To get the most efficient use of your HVAC system in any season, simply let it do its job. You’ll have even less efficiency concerns if your equipment is regularly maintained.

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Staying knowledgeable about your HVAC needs is key to meeting your facility and occupant goals. But be wary of where you’re finding your tips and tricks. When in doubt, talk to an HVAC expert. Visit [ABM.com/HVAC](https://www.abm.com/HVAC) or call 866.624.1520.