The Truth Behind HVAC Clichés: Common Scare Myths used by Technicians and Salespeople

Ever since modern heating, ventilation and cooling have been around, there has been ineffectual advice passed from generations to generations. Some of these misconceptions come from well-meaning technicians attempting to lay the rules of the processes for a modern home in order to boost comfort. However, others claim to make an effort to save you money by costing more in the long run for their companies’ gain. Alpha Mechanical is dedicated to straightening these myths out by bringing about an understanding of your home’s HVAC system with quality truths in place of these HVAC cliches. In this article, we will go over HVAC myths to avoid and technician scare tactics in order to clarify what to do instead.

Fact: This is one of those common HVAC cliches that technicians use to get you to buy the newest technologies. While a new system may make sense for you based on how long your home has had it, it is costly to replace a unit that still has life left in it. One of the most important HVAC facts is that HVAC units are designed to last 15 to 20 years in a home. This does not mean that other HVAC issues will not pop up. Even after the system has gone past its “lifetime”, that does not mean you need to replace it right then. If you have been using your system excessively or you have not been actively maintaining it with seasonal tune-ups, it may start to wear out sooner (12 to 15 years). Your system might be outdated even if you’ve replaced it in less than 5 years simply because new machinery gets created every few years.

Fact: One of the misconceptions about HVAC systems is that once your system stops running efficiently compared to the newer top models, a company will immediately recommend purchasing a new one. HVAC units are one of the most expensive investments that homeowners put into their homes and not everyone is in a financial position to buy a whole new unit simply because newer energy efficiency technologies have been created. Get as much life as you can from your current system until you are able to switch it up for the comfort of your home and peace of mind.

If you are in the Sacramento area and a company has given you this opinion, we recommend calling our professionals at Alpha Mechanical for a second opinion. Oftentimes if your unit is not running efficiently, it could be that a minor (or major) repair needs to be done to extend the life. HVAC parts are replaceable and some older units have universal parts. A comparably simple repair can save you from a costly HVAC replacement process. Additionally, your home’s HVAC system’s energy consumption depends also on the set thermostat temperature throughout the seasons.

Fact: A heat exchanger (or condenser) which lives outside is prone to rust as every part comes into contact with moisture. Rust is not always a legitimate reason to condemn a unit. If there is a crack or rupture in the heat exchanger then you will need to replace or repair it as soon as possible. However, rust on an AC coil does not indicate that a replacement is required nor does it mean that it will fail. Until something is cracked or leaking, rust is not necessarily an indicator that the whole unit needs to be replaced.

If you have an upgraded higher-efficiency model system (a variable speed unit), it is less likely that it will be compatible with universal parts. Nonetheless, there are replacement parts made for every unit. Once you determine that an AC coil is broken or there is a crack elsewhere, we are here to help with AC repair in Sacramento.

Fact: When mold is present in an HVAC unit, it presents as a big issue because this is where your home’s air flow comes from and circulates throughout each room. If a technician makes a claim as serious as mold, have that technician show you either by bringing you to the mold location or taking a picture of it.

A light film of dust can sometimes be mistaken and it is important to fully check these things out. This is another of the HVAC cliches to avoid without receiving a second opinion. Once you determine that mold is present, you can either replace the ducts or have them cleaned but a plan of action is crucial.

Fact: Keeping up with regular maintenance services prevent major system breakdowns and can prevent issues before they happen. Maintenance is a crucial component to ensure efficiency, comfort and preserving your system from damage. Good upkeep of your HVAC unit should be proactive, meaning that you are maintaining it before anything breaks down entirely. Just because your unit continues to run does not mean it is a healthy system especially if you have neglected maintenance tune-ups.

Do not be deceived by any HVAC misconceptions that lead you to believe that maintaining regular service can be put off until something breaks. If you are looking for a trustworthy company for maintenance services, Alpha Mechanical offers AC and heating tune-up in Sacramento.

Fact: Common HVAC misconceptions about ductwork is that they need to be replaced each time the HVAC unit gets replaced. The average lifespan of ductwork is between 30 to 50 years. You do not have to replace every duct in your home to improve a few rooms nor do you need to replace the ducts when you get a new system installed. This can be unnecessarily costly and impractical.

If you have recently moved into a new-to-you house, having the air ducts cleaned would be a proper move to remove any residual dust, dirt, skin, hair or nails that have been circulating through the system’s air stream. Another effective measure would be to increase the size of the ducts leading to the rooms that you need better airflow to. Relocating the duct altogether or enlarging it will allow it to hold the hot or cold air more efficiently. Duct repair and replacement services in Sacramento can be found here.

Fact: Although your heating and cooling system may no longer be under warranty, that does not mean that it doesn’t need to be repaired, maintained or serviced. Warranty protection just means that your unit must meet specifications and that if it fails (while under warranty) the company will repair or replace the unit if necessary. No longer being under warranty simply means that the company will not foot the bill and it will become your responsibility once it expires.

The system can still be repaired as parts are available for purchase even if you have an older unit. While the company you originally bought your HVAC system from may not offer repairs themselves, there are several independent service providers who specialize in this area. Just because your unit is over 10 years old, does not mean you are left to replace it after the warranty has expired. With a little effort, there are always other options.

Fact: Myths about HVAC thermostats only cost everyone in the long run. Since certain areas of the home might spike or dip even if those temperatures do not reflect the rest of the home’s temperature. A few spots that would be a great placement choice would be on an interior wall, away from direct sunlight as well as major kitchen appliances and away from an adjacent window. It is important that a professional comes out to determine where to place the thermostat to avoid causing the system to malfunction. You want to place it where the temperature can be set to something comfortable and give you an accurate reading.

HVAC facts and myths are important to be clear on and clarify to fend off spreading misinformation for technicians commission gains. Identifying minor issues as well as reading up on common operations for your HVAC system will help you to avoid getting schemed. While there is some truth to each myth, a lot of it is dependent on your home’s current HVAC system, its age and whether you schedule regular maintenance services to keep a healthy system running and to avoid long-term damage.