HVAC Myths That Are Utter LIES

Written By Adelaide White

The internet is full of HVAC advice.
Your neighbor is full of HVAC advice.
And pleeaase don’t get us started on those TikTok “gurus.”

Let’s clear the air, and expose some HVAC myths that have absolutely no right to still exist in 2026.

Myth #1: “If I set my thermostat REALLY low, my house will cool faster.”

HAH lie.
Big lie.

Your AC ain’t a gas pedal. It doesn’t sprint harder because you told it to.

It works at one speed, and one speed only: ON or OFF.
Setting it lower just makes it run longer, and stresses your system out for no reason.

You’re not cooling your house quicker. You’re just overworking your HVAC unit.

Myth #2: “Bigger AC units are better.”

You’ve probably never ever heard this before, but bigger ain’t always better.

In HVAC terms, bigger is often worse.

And yes, this is where we say it out loud: size is not the flex people think it is.

It’s about how you use it and whether it actually fits the job.

So glad we have mature audiences reading this blog.

An oversized unit blasts cold air, shuts off way too fast, and never sticks around long enough to do the important part…

Removing humidity, of course.

Doing the job properly. Following through. And the result?

  1. Sticky air

  2. Uneven temperatures

  3. A system that short-cycles itself into an early retirement

Just because it’s BIG doesn’t mean it’s effective.

Just because it turns on doesn’t mean it’s doing what you need it to do.

Myth #3: “Closing vents in unused rooms saves energy.”

This one feels logical.

It’s anything but.

Closing vents actually increases pressure in your system, which can:

  1. Reduce efficiency

  2. Cause duct leaks

  3. Put extra strain on your blower

Your HVAC system was designed for airflow. So let that air flooowww!

Myth #4: “My AC just needs a quick recharge.”

If your AC needs refrigerant, it means there’s a leak. Refrigerant doesn’t get used up like gas in a car.

Topping it off without fixing the leak is like:

Refilling a bucket with a hole. Or duct-taping a problem and hoping for the best

TL;DR
Recharges are not magic. They’re warning signs!

Myth #5: “I only need maintenance when something breaks.”

PFFFTTT! That’s like saying, “I only go to the dentist when my tooth falls out.”

Regular maintenance:

  1. Improves efficiency

  2. Catches small problems early

  3. Extends the life of your system

  4. Saves money long-term

Waiting until it breaks almost guarantees it WILL break.

Myth #6: “All air filters are basically the same.”

They’re not. Not even close.

The wrong filter means:

  1. Restricted airflow

  2. Higher energy bills

  3. Dirtier air

  4. An overworked system

And nooope, changing it once a year does not count as regularly.

If you can’t remember the last time you changed it, it is time!

Myth #7: “If it’s running, it must be working fine.”

Your AC can technically be “working” while:

  1. Running inefficiently

  2. Overheating

  3. Slowly damaging itself

  4. Costing you more every month

Functioning doesn’t mean healthy.

The Truth No One Likes to Hear

Your HVAC system isn’t trying to inconvenience you. It’s just responding to how it is treated.

A little education + routine care = fewer breakdowns, lower bills, and wayyy less stress.

And if you’re ever unsure whether something you heard is a helpful tip or an outright lie, Heritage Air is always happy to tell you the truth.

Because, as always, we have your back!

#HASYourBack #HASYouCovered

Adelaide White
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