Have you changed your filter lately?

False.

Fact: Every home is different! Pets, dust, household activity, filter type and system usage all affect how quickly filters get dirty. Check your filter monthly and replace it as needed, following the manufacturer's guidelines.

False.

Fact: Not necessarily! Filters trap particles that aren't always visible. A filter can look fairly clean and still restrict airflow. Keep track of how long it's been installed.

False.

Fact: A clogged filter can restrict airflow, reduce comfort, raise energy use, and contribute to frozen coils or equipment problems.

False.

Fact: Not always! A higher-MERV filter can catch more particles, but it has to suit your system and the airflow it has. The right filter balances filtration with proper system operation.

False.

Fact: In extremely cold weather, long run times can be perfectly normal. A heat pump may run for long stretches to hold the temperature you set.

False.

Fact: In winter, heat pumps go into a defrost cycle from time to time to melt frost. White vapor during that cycle is usually just steam. Dark smoke, a burning smell or sparks are not normal.

False.

Fact: Auxiliary heat is there to help your heat pump when it needs more heating capacity. It's normal on many systems in extremely cold weather.

False.

Fact: Not necessarily! A big jump in temperature can turn on auxiliary electric heat on some heat pumps, which can raise energy costs without heating the house any better.

False.

Fact: Some frost is normal in cold, damp weather, and your heat pump has a defrost cycle to clear it. Heavy ice that doesn't clear can mean a problem.

False.

Fact: Heat pumps need good airflow all year! Snow, leaves, debris and overgrown plants can get in the way in any season.

False.

Fact: Square footage is only one part of the equation. How many windows there are and which way they face, single or double pane, insulation, ceiling height, and how drafty the doors are can all change what your home needs. A proper load calculation looks at all of it. That's a FACT!

False.

Fact: Bigger can actually be worse! An oversized system turns on and off too often, wears out sooner and leaves the house damp. It should be sized to the house.

False.

Fact: A breaker that keeps tripping can point to an electrical or mechanical problem, and resetting it over and over can be dangerous. Leave the breaker off and have the system inspected.

False.

Fact: Poor cooling can come from restricted airflow, dirty coils, electrical issues, a failing expansion valve or low refrigerant. A proper diagnosis matters more than a guess.