The Seattle-Tacoma area and the surrounding Puget Sound region—spanning Bellevue, Everett, Kent, and beyond—experience a mix of cool, damp winters and warm summers. Maintaining a reliable HVAC system is critical to staying comfortable year-round for homeowners in these areas. Unfortunately, some common HVAC myths can lead to higher energy bills, inefficient systems, and costly repairs.
Let’s uncover the truth about 5 of the most widespread HVAC myths, with tips tailored to our local neighborhoods and climate.
1. Myth: “A bigger HVAC system means better performance.”
The Truth: It’s easy to think that a bigger system will heat or cool your home faster, but in reality, oversized HVAC units often cause more harm than good. These systems tend to short cycle, meaning they turn on and off frequently. This wastes energy, increases wear and tear, and doesn’t effectively remove moisture from the air—a big issue in our damp climate.
Local Relevance: In areas like Bellevue and Everett, where homes range from large modern builds to older craftsman styles, the right HVAC size is crucial to maintaining balanced comfort without spiking energy bills.
Solution: Hire a local HVAC expert to perform a professional load calculation. This ensures your system is the perfect size for your home’s layout, insulation, and the Pacific Northwest weather.
2. Myth: “Air filters only need replacement once a year.”
The Truth: Seattle-Tacoma homeowners face unique air quality challenges, from pollen-heavy springs in Issaquah to wildfire smoke that occasionally blankets neighborhoods like Snoqualmie and Renton. Dirty air filters reduce airflow, decrease efficiency, and can worsen indoor air quality.
Local Relevance: With our region’s combination of urban and natural environments, homes in areas like Shoreline and Federal Way are often exposed to a mix of allergens and pollutants.
Solution: Replace your air filter every 1–3 months, especially during pollen season or periods of heavy wildfire smoke. Clean filters help keep your system efficient and improve indoor air quality for your family.
3. Myth: “Closing vents in unused rooms saves energy.”
The Truth: Many homes in Tacoma’s North End or Kent feature forced-air heating systems, which rely on balanced airflow. Closing vents can create pressure imbalances in the ductwork, leading to inefficiency, higher energy bills, and even duct leaks.
Local Relevance: In multi-level homes, like those common in Bellevue and Bothell, closing vents upstairs to focus heating or cooling downstairs may seem like a good idea but can cause strain on your HVAC system.
Solution: Keep vents open to maintain proper airflow throughout your home. If you want more precise control, consider investing in a zoned HVAC system, which lets you adjust temperatures in specific areas without compromising efficiency.
4. Myth: “HVAC systems only need maintenance when they break down.”
The Truth: Waiting until your HVAC system fails is not only costly but can also leave you without heat during cold winters or AC during rare Puget Sound heatwaves. Regular maintenance ensures your system is ready for our region’s shifting weather patterns, from frigid mornings in Auburn to warm afternoons in Redmond.
Local Relevance: Many older homes in neighborhoods like Tacoma’s Proctor District or Seattle’s Capitol Hill have aging HVAC systems that require extra care. Skipping routine maintenance can lead to breakdowns during peak usage times.
Solution: Schedule HVAC maintenance twice a year—once in the fall to prepare for winter and again in the spring to get ready for summer. Regular checkups extend your system’s lifespan and help you avoid unexpected repairs.
5. Myth: “Turning the thermostat way down cools your home faster.”
The Truth: Whether you’re in Federal Way or Sammamish, turning your thermostat to an extreme setting won’t cool or heat your home any faster. It just forces your HVAC system to run longer, wasting energy and increasing wear and tear.
Local Relevance: During summer heatwaves in neighborhoods like Everett or Bellevue, homeowners often overwork their systems, resulting in higher energy bills and reduced system efficiency.
Solution: Set your thermostat to a consistent, comfortable temperature and let your system work at its designed pace. A smart thermostat can also help by learning your schedule and optimizing energy use.
The Bottom Line for Puget Sound Homeowners
From Seattle’s bustling neighborhoods to the suburban charm of Puyallup, understanding these HVAC myths can help you save money, improve efficiency, and extend the life of your system. Our unique climate in the Puget Sound region demands HVAC solutions tailored to local weather and housing styles.
Looking for trusted HVAC service in the Seattle-Tacoma area? Home Comfort Alliance specializes in maintenance, repairs, and installations designed for the Pacific Northwest climate. Whether you’re in Bellevue, Everett, or Tacoma, our local experts are here to keep your home comfortable year-round. Schedule your service today!
