True or False: How Well Do You Know Your Home's HVAC System?

AC Unit outside

True or False?

Almost 90% of Americans have some type of HVAC system in their home. Whether it's central air conditioning or a ductless mini-split system, your home's HVAC system keeps your home comfortable and safe whatever the weather outside. Knowing what's true about your home comfort system and what's false can help you make smart decisions when it comes to your heating and cooling equipment.

Test your knowledge with this quick true-or-false quiz.

Your home has central air conditioning. You don't use two of the rooms on a regular basis, so you shut the doors and close the cooling vents in those rooms. This helps save energy.

False. This is one of the most common myths that we hear about air conditioning. The truth is that ducted central air conditioning systems are designed with a specific airflow pattern and air pressure in mind. When you close some of the vents, the airflow pattern is disturbed. Closing vents can actually cause problems with your system's pressure seals and lead to air leaks.

Your cooling system's air pressure has been calibrated with the assumption that every vent in your home will be open. If you'd like to be able to close vents to save money, consider replacing your central AC with a ductless system. Ductless air conditioners feature individual air handlers in different rooms that allow for different temperature settings throughout your home.

It's important to change the air filters for your HVAC system regularly. Most HVAC professionals recommend that filters are replaced every three to four months.

True. Your HVAC system's filters remove dust and other small particles from the air. If they get too dirty, allergens will fly freely throughout your home. Replacing air filters is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your heating and cooling equipment in good condition.

It doesn't matter where your thermostat is placed in your house. You can put it in any location that is convenient for you.

False. Where your thermostat sits in your house can affect how it reads the temperature. If your thermostat is in an area where it gets constant sunlight, it will likely read the temperature in your room as higher than it really is. This causes your AC unit to kick on when you don't need it. Putting your thermostat in the right place can help lower your utility costs and extend the operating life of your air conditioner or furnace.

Turning the thermostat down to its lowest setting is the quickest way to cool down your house on a hot day.

False. This is one myth HVAC professionals have been fighting for years. When you turn your thermostat to a very low setting, it causes your air conditioner to work harder than it needs to. Yes, your home will cool down. However, you'll pay the price in the form of a higher energy bill. Your AC unit's lifespan may be shortened by this type of use as well. It may be tough, but set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature, be patient, and don't be tempted to change it.

You should have HVAC maintenance performed once a year to keep your heating and cooling system in good condition.

Part true, part false. You should have HVAC maintenance performed on a regular schedule to keep your system in good condition. However, most homeowners should have their comfort systems serviced twice a year. Have your system serviced in the late spring so that it's ready to go when summer temperatures heat up. Then, have your system serviced again in the fall so that it can meet your heating demands throughout the winter.

There's no room for guesswork when it comes to keeping your family safe and comfortable when the weather outside is unpleasant. At, Dyess Air & Plumbing we pride ourselves on educating our customers and helping them make the best HVAC choices for their homes. If you need help with the HVAC system at your Hilton Head Island home, call us today at (843) 242-0855