Some HVAC myths refuse to die—and they always cost homeowners in higher bills, uneven comfort, and premature breakdowns. Use this guide to separate fact from fiction and make smart, money-saving choices for your system.
Myth #1: “Closing vents in unused rooms saves money.”
Why it sticks: It sounds logical—don’t cool/heat rooms you don’t use.
Reality: Closing supplies increases duct pressure, drives air through leaks, and can cause coil freeze-ups or heat exchanger stress.
Better move: Keep registers open and fix airflow. Ask for air balancing and duct sealing to lower pressure and deliver air where it’s needed. See our air duct repair and cooling services.
Myth #2: “Bigger systems cool faster—so they’re better.”
Reality: Oversized equipment short-cycles, wastes energy, and does a poor job with humidity control.
What to do: Insist on a Manual J load calculation and a right-sized system. Variable-speed options run longer on low and remove more moisture.
Helpful link: Considering replacement? Explore furnace installation or talk to us about heat pump options in our cooling services.
Myth #3: “Filters only matter for allergies.”
Reality: Wrong filter (or a dirty one) chokes airflow, increases static pressure, and drives up costs.
What to use: Choose a MERV rating your system can handle (often MERV 8–13) and change on schedule.
Action: Add filter changes to your calendar and pair with routine service like a furnace maintenance visit.
Myth #4: “Set it and forget it at one temperature is most efficient.”
Reality: Holding one temp 24/7 runs your equipment more than needed. Big setbacks, however, can cause energy-hungry recovery runs (especially on heat pumps).
Smart strategy: Use a smart thermostat with gentle setbacks, geofencing, and humidity-aware control for steady comfort and lower runtime. See heating services for controls help.
Myth #5: “Maintenance is optional if it’s running.”
Reality: Dirt, loose connections, incorrect refrigerant charge, and ignored drain lines quietly erode efficiency and reliability.
Do this instead: Schedule annual service (cooling in spring, heating in fall). A real tune-up includes coil cleaning, charge verification, static-pressure and temperature-split checks, combustion safety (for furnaces), and condensate maintenance. Start with furnace maintenance or cooling maintenance.
Myth #6: “Ductwork doesn’t affect efficiency—equipment does.”
Reality: Leaky or undersized ducts can waste a huge share of conditioned air before it reaches rooms.
Fix the delivery: Ask for duct leakage testing, sealing with mastic (not just tape), insulation in unconditioned spaces, and grille/return corrections. Explore air duct repair.
Myth #7: “A high SEER/HSPF or AFUE number guarantees low bills.”
Reality: Nameplate efficiency assumes perfect install conditions. In real homes, poor sizing, bad ductwork, off-spec airflow, and sloppy commissioning slash efficiency.
What actually saves: Quality installation and commissioning—verify airflow (static pressure), charge, controls, and documentation. If your system is aging, ask about replacement options and proper commissioning.
Quick wins you can do this weekend
- Replace/clean the air filter and clear 2–3 feet around the outdoor unit.
- Seal obvious duct leaks you can see (mastic/foil tape) and unblock return grilles.
- Set a weekday/weekend thermostat schedule and enable “eco” or geofencing modes.
- Flush the condensate drain to prevent mid-season shutdowns and water damage.
How to choose a contractor who won’t sell myths
- They perform or reference a Manual J load calculation (no “like-for-like” guessing).
- They measure and share static pressure, airflow, charge, and temp split results.
- They discuss ducts, filtration, humidity, and building envelope—not just equipment.
- They document commissioning results and explain settings before leaving.
Norse Home Solutions can help you (Woodbury, MN)
We prioritize real fixes over myths—transparent diagnostics, documented readings, and clear options. If these HVAC myths hit close to home, we’re ready to help:
- Furnace maintenance & cooling services (tune-ups, charge/airflow checks)
- Air duct repair (sealing, airflow balancing, returns/grilles)
- System replacement (right-sized, properly commissioned)
- Contact Norse Home Solutions for friendly, local service
Costly myths impact businesses, too—always. For commercial services, choose a reliable and efficient support from Norse Mechanical in Woodbury and surrounding Minnesota areas for trusted HVAC, plumbing, and drain services that stabilize comfort and control operating costs across your facilities.
