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5 HVAC Myths Debunked

HVAC systems are a godsend on cold winter days and especially during summer heatwaves, when they can keep the temperature your workplace within a bearable range.

But we often encounter some common misconceptions about HVAC maintenance and repair, as well as some misguided expectations about HVAC installation.

There’s no reason why you should be HVAC experts – that’s our job – but here are just a few common HVAC myths and why they need to be debunked.

1. Bigger HVAC systems are always better

Some HVAC suppliers will tell you to buy the biggest HVAC systems you can afford, but it’s not always necessary to blow your entire budget in order to get comfortable interiors – and your running costs will be lower with a smaller system if it’s more efficient for you.

We would always recommend you choose the right capacity of HVAC installation for your space, and we are happy to help you with that calculation if you want an expert opinion.

You can also use smart controls to make the most efficient use of your HVAC systems once they’re installed, which should reduce strain on them so less HVAC maintenance is needed in the future too.

2. Thermostats should always be in easy reach

Thermostats are an important part of any HVAC installation, as they tell your HVAC systems when they have achieved the target temperature; however, they need to be in the right position to give an accurate reading.

Placing a thermostat in direct sunlight can give a higher temperature reading than the ambient air in the room. Placing the thermostat in line with the air conditioning output can produce an incorrectly low reading as the cold air blows over it.

We can work with you to put your thermostats in the right place for an accurate ambient air temperature reading. Remember the thermostat is not the control panel: the controls can be put in a convenient place regardless of the thermostat location.

3. HVAC maintenance is expensive

HVAC maintenance costs money, but on the whole if you get your HVAC systems maintained regularly, they’ll cost you less in the long run.

That’s because you’ll spend less on emergency HVAC repair, but also because a well-tuned HVAC system will run more efficiently, leading to savings on energy costs too.

4. Changing the target temperature will cool air faster

Turning down your target temperature will not magically increase the capacity of your air conditioning – that’s why it’s important to get the right size of HVAC systems from the start.

Changing the fan speed WILL have an effect on the air volume moving through your HVAC system, which can heat or cool it faster, but setting an unachievable target temperature will only put unnecessary strain on your system and increase the risk of a breakdown.

5. Air conditioning is only for summer

Finally, HVAC systems are not only for cooling air in summer. They also have multiple benefits in winter.

HVAC systems can also heat air, for cosy interiors on cold days, while the air filters will remove some particles and can help improve hygiene on days when your windows are closed.

To find out more about any of the above or to ask our HVAC experts to advise on your upcoming HVAC installation, get in touch today and we’ll be happy to help.

Fletchers Engineering - Engineering Performance