Believing common HVAC myths can be damaging to your system’s performance and longevity.
Without the right maintenance, your HVAC system will break down sooner than it should – costing you more. And in many cases, HVAC operating costs creep up due to time-consuming management processes and lack of visibility into maintenance records.
So, to keep your HVAC in great shape, you need to know the truth about HVAC services.
Wondering what the top 5 HVAC myths are – and what the truth is?
Read on to find out.
Myth 1: My HVAC System Only Needs Maintenance Once a Year
Maintaining your HVAC system once a year is enough, right? Wrong.
Fact:
Your HVAC system requires routine maintenance to perform at its best and allow you to catch small problems when they start. Left unchecked, these issues will only become more costly to fix and contribute over time to tenant discomfort – which can decrease tenant satisfaction and retention.
Best practice is to conduct routine maintenance on your HVAC system multiple times each year.
While it can be time-consuming to create a routine maintenance schedule, HVAC management software can make it easier. With the right solution, you can access the info needed to create a schedule in minutes via a centralized HVAC database.
That way, you can conduct regular HVAC maintenance without wasting so much time creating a schedule.
Myth 2: All HVAC Systems Require the Same Maintenance
All systems require the same maintenance, right? This is another common HVAC myth.
Fact:
Each HVAC system has unique maintenance needs.
If you have multiple buildings, you might try to maintain every HVAC system the same way. But what works for one HVAC system might not work for another. Some systems simply require more frequent maintenance due to age and other factors.
Of course, to create a custom maintenance schedule for each HVAC system, you’ll typically need to look through manuals, warranties, and other info. This can be time-consuming and tedious.
Once again, HVAC management software can make this process easier via a centralized HVAC inventory – which has all the information you need in one place.
So, you can create a custom maintenance schedule in no time and automate maintenance recording– reducing expenses and increasing the lifetime of your HVAC systems.
Myth 3: New Systems Don’t Require Routine Maintenance
If you just got a new HVAC system, it doesn’t need regular maintenance, right?
Fact:
All HVAC systems need routine maintenance to stay in top shape – regardless of their age.
It’s true that a new HVAC system will run more efficiently than an older HVAC system. But it won’t stay that way if you don’t conduct regular maintenance.
New HVAC systems can develop problems just like old systems. That’s why it’s important to create a regular maintenance schedule and analyze the data to spot any problems before they become a larger (more expensive!) issue.
Another benefit of HVAC management tools is that they can automatically generate reports for you that help you spot problems sooner. That way, you can extend the lifetime of your HVAC system – without spending hours putting reports together yourself.
Myth 4: Air Filters Don’t Need to Be Replaced Frequently
Although air filters recommend you change them regularly, changing them once a year is sufficient, right?
Fact:
Your HVAC air filters need to be changed more often than once a year. Full stop.
HVAC air filters are crucial to the air quality in your building. If they aren’t changed regularly, they get clogged with filtered particles.
This not only makes your HVAC system work harder to get air out – which hurts the efficiency and lifetime of your HVAC system. It can also worsen the air quality in your building – which can increase the spread of disease and allergens, a particular concern during COVID-19.
Of course, it can be hard to remember to change your air filters when you have so much else to do. HVAC management software can help with this by automating maintenance reminders to keep you on track.
That way, you can always maintain optimal air quality in your building.
Myth 5: Turning the Thermostat to Extremes Helps Cool or Heat My Building Faster
When your building isn’t the right temperature, all you need to do is turn the thermostat way up or down, right?
Fact:
Setting your thermostat to extremes doesn’t heat or cool your building faster. All it does is make your HVAC system work longer and harder than necessary.
When you set your thermostat to extremes, it’s easy to forget to change it back. So, your HVAC system works to cool or heat your building all the way to the set temperature – which puts unnecessary strain on your system.
This strain can significantly shorten the lifetime of your HVAC system or cause more costly repairs.
If you or your tenants are regularly uncomfortable when your thermostat is set properly, it might be time to contact your manufacturer to replace your HVAC system.
Wrapping It Up
HVAC systems are essential to your building, but, they can be difficult to maintain properly.
Because of this, there are many common HVAC myths circulating out there. Failing to separate fact from fiction can hurt the performance and lifespan of your HVAC system.
HVAC management software – like the new Building Engines HVAC Management module – can make maintaining your system effortless with a central database of digitized HVAC inventory data, industry-recognized ASHRAE scoring, analytics and reporting, and more.
Learn more about our new HVAC management module by watching our on-demand webinar.
