Being in business since 1989, the team at Rostron Premium Home Services have been able to share our knowledge of the heating and cooling (and now, plumbing and electric) with hundreds, if not thousands, of homeowners at the Jersey Shore and beyond.

While we’ve do our best to make sure that all of our customers are in-the-know when it comes to their homes, we’ve come across a number of misconceptions that have circulated for years. We’d like to take some time to share with you…

THE MOST COMMON HVAC MYTHS

Myth #7: If I want my home to get cooler quicker, I should turn the
thermostat lower than the desired temperature.

Fact: At first glance, this seems like a logical statement, right? The truth is that most cooling systems will either be on or off. Simply put, if your home is 20 degrees away from the temperature on the thermostat or only 3 degrees, your system gets the same message: I need to turn on to meet the desired temperature.

There are systems on the market that are able to provide two-stage and even variable cooling capabilities. With one of these systems, changing the thermostat to a lower temperature may make it kick into a higher setting, but what you’ll be met with is uncomfortable levels of humidity in your home!

Myth #6: The capacity of my condenser, furnace, or boiler should be larger
than my home’s requirements.

Fact: While you will never find a system that meets the needs of your home exactly, over-sizing a system is just as bad as under-sizing.

A severely under-sized system will run forever, never meeting temperature. A significantly over-sized system will run only in short bursts, leaving behind humidity in the summertime. Both situations will leave you uncomfortable and will seriously limit the lifespan of the unit.

(Remember the part in Goldilocks and the Three Bears when she goes outside to meet the Rostron Premium Home Service Project Manager? Exactly – he sets her up with the perfectly sized condenser for the needs of the house. That girl knew something about comfort.)

Myth #5: The only time I need HVAC services is when my system breaks down.

Fact: Contrary to popular belief, there are breakdowns that can be prevented. Imagine if you forgot to get an oil change on your car and it broke down. You could only really blame yourself, right?

Same thing with your HVAC system! Getting it maintained by a professional company regularly can extend the lifespan and limit the number of repairs required. Of course, there will always be things outside your control, but why not take hold of the things you can?

Myth #4: The best choice is always the most expensive option.

Fact: When it comes to replacement, it is true that the fanciest option is always the most expensive. However, that doesn’t always mean it’s the best choice. If you want a burger, why order the steak?

However, it is more common that the best option in a repair situation to be the best option, because it covers the most bases. That being said, it is important to have a professional you can trust to fully explain your options!

Myth #3: Before each season, I need to have my AC system recharged with refrigerant.

Fact: This one hurts us. Truly, if anyone has been under this misconception, you’re wasting a ton of money on repairs that shouldn’t be required.

The two copper lines that connect the outside condenser and the indoor coil complete a closed loop. That means that if you need to recharge your system each season, you have a leak. It can be in the coil, in the condenser, or somewhere in the line set.

Fully repairing this issue can be expensive, but are not a bandage situation like recharging the system.

Myth #2: Turning off your system when you are away saves energy.

Fact: This myth can be true, but only sometimes. For long periods of time, like a vacation or a trip, or on moderate days, turning down your thermostat can save you money by using less energy.

However, there are times, especially on really hot or cold days, that the energy usage to maintain the desired temperature is less than the energy required to bring it back up to temperature when you arrive home. Beyond that, you’ll also be uncomfortable when you’re waiting for the system to get back up to temperature!

Myth #1: It’s harmful for a condenser/furnace to continuously run. I should give it a break.

Fact: When properly sized, a condenser or furnace should run frequently on particularly hot and cold days, respectively. They are designed to run for long periods of time. There are some systems available that will actually prioritize lower capacity so it has the ability to run for longer, leaving you more comfortable.

Giving the system “a break” can actually do more harm than good. It will consume more energy when starting and stopping, rather than maintaining. If the temperature on your thermostat meets the desired temperature in your home, you’re in a good place!

Have a story of how a team member from Rostron Premium Home Services was able to help you in understanding an HVAC concept? Whether it be a service, product, or something else entirely, send us an email with the details at customerservice@tomrostron.com