Common HVAC Myths That Could Be Costing You
“Can’t I just wait until something breaks to call an HVAC tech?”
That’s one of the most common myths in home comfort that eventually lead to expensive repairs down the road.
At Blue Ridge Heating & Air, we’re busting some of the most persistent HVAC myths that can cost homeowners money, comfort, and even their health. With fall approaching, now’s the time to clear up these misconceptions and prep your system for the colder months ahead.
Myth #1: “If it’s working, I don’t need maintenance.”
HVAC systems lose up to 5% efficiency every year without maintenance. Tiny problems like dirty coils or clogged filters can cause full-blown breakdowns when your system is under pressure from seasonal changes. Routine service keeps your system running efficiently and helps catch small problems early in order to prevent costly future repairs.
Bonus: When you sign up for our Blue Ridge Comfort Maintenance Plan, you receive:
- Full system inspection for performance and readiness
- External and internal cleaning of the unit
- Visual check for any obstructions or airflow issues
- Leak checks for oil and gas lines
- Battery test and terminal inspection
- Transfer switch functionality check (automatic and manual)
- Filter and oil change (as needed based on run hours)
- Manufacturer-guided service aligned with Generac standards
- Detailed service notes and maintenance recommendations
🔌 Myth #2: “Closing vents in unused rooms saves money.”
You may have grown up hearing this one! Doing this throws off your system’s air balance and raises static pressure. This can lead to duct leaks, reduced efficiency, and a shorter system lifespan. Depending on your home, a ductless mini-split system may be a better option if you want more control over room-by-room comfort.
🌡️ Myth #3: “Bigger HVAC systems are better.”
Bigger isn’t always better. Oversized systems short-cycle (turn on and off too often), wasting energy and causing uneven temperatures. A properly sized system runs longer cycles, improving dehumidification and overall comfort.
Want to learn about the real-life effects of having a larger-than-needed system? Read how we helped out the Clubhouse for the Pelham Falls Homeowners Association in Greer, SC by clicking the button below:
⛽ Myth #4: “HVAC and generator maintenance must be scheduled separately.”
Not true! When you schedule your fall HVAC wellness check with Blue Ridge Heating & Air, you can bundle your generator tune-up during the same visit. It saves time, adds convenience, and ensures both critical systems are ready when you need them most.
🌬️ Myth #5: “My air filter is enough for indoor air quality.”
A filter is just one part of the solution. Blue Ridge systems are designed around four pillars of IAQ:
- High-efficiency filtration (MERV 11+ or HEPA)
- Humidity control
- Purification (UV lights, advanced air cleaners)
- Fresh air ventilation
Tracking any mold growth in your heating/air conditioning systems and crawlspace can help protect your family from breathing in dangerous spores. “Exposure to indoor mold is linked to respiratory issues, allergies, and chronic illnesses, especially in children, the elderly, pets, and anyone with compromised immune systems” (AirGuard). Installing a mold detection system like AirGuard can help you seamlessly monitor your home for any potential risks to your family’s health.
❄️ Myth #6: “Heat pumps don’t work in cold weather.”
Modern systems like our ArcticFlex deliver 100% heating capacity down to 4°F and continue performing even at -20°F. They’re dual-fuel compatible, whisper-quiet, and up to 18 SEER2 efficient.
⚡ Myth #7: “Ceiling fans cool rooms.”
Fans don’t cool air, they cool people. They create an effect that helps you feel cooler, but they don’t lower the room’s temperature.
Ceiling fans aren’t just for during the summer either. They can help you keep warm in the winter too! When you turn on your heater in the winter, all that warm air rises to the ceiling. (OpenStax, 2016) By reversing your ceiling fan’s rotation, it gently pushes warm air back down, helping your home feel warmer without cranking up the thermostat.
Using your ceiling fan properly can even cut your bill by up to 10%! (Southern Living Editors, 2023) Just don’t leave them on in an empty room since they’ll waste electricity.
⚠️ Myth #8: “I can replace just the outdoor unit.”
Replacing only part of a system (like the condenser) can cause performance issues and may void warranties. Matched systems ensure the indoor and outdoor components work together efficiently.
💨 Myth #9: “Ducts don’t need maintenance.”
Leaky or dirty ducts are one of the biggest causes of energy loss. Sealing and cleaning your ducts can improve airflow by up to 46% and reduce blower energy use by 60%. That means more comfort and lower bills.
In need of a duct cleaning or repair? Click Here!
🔠 Myth #10: “Thermostat location doesn’t matter.”
Placing a thermostat near windows, appliances, or vents can cause false readings. That makes your system cycle unnecessarily, affecting comfort and energy usage. Proper placement is critical.
☕ Why Fall Wellness Checks Matter
Now that summer is coming to an end, fall is your golden window to:
- Lock in priority scheduling before the winter rush
- Catch small problems before they become expensive repairs
- Boost system efficiency before heating season
- Get your generator inspected
Heating and Cooling Issues? Click Here!
Curious what working with us looks like?
Check out our case studies complete with photos and insights. See how real-life homeowners like you tackled HVAC challenges with help from Blue Ridge Heating & Air.
📞 Schedule Your HVAC & Generator Wellness Visit Today
Trust Blue Ridge Heating & Air — your local HVAC educators — to keep your home comfortable and efficient, no matter the season.
✅ Get a quote
✅ Get it done right
✅ Sleep better
📚 References
- AirGuard. (n.d.). Why AirGuard? AirGuard. Retrieved August 18, 2025, from https://www.airguard.pro/why-airguard-2
- OpenStax. (2016). Mechanisms of heat transfer. In University Physics Volume 2 (OpenStax, Rice University). University of Central Florida Pressbooks. https://pressbooks.online.ucf.edu/osuniversityphysics2/chapter/mechanisms-of-heat-transfer/
- Southern Living Editors. (2023, November 3). Which way should a ceiling fan turn in the winter? Southern Living. https://www.southernliving.com/which-way-should-a-ceiling-fan-turn-in-the-winter-8764789
