Skip Navigation

Throughout my years in the heating and cooling business, I’ve discovered there are a number of HVAC myths floating around. In this post I’ll be sharing some of the most common HVAC myths and dispelling them for you, so you know the best ways to care for and maintain your HVAC system.

Myth #1: The bigger the HVAC system size, the better

A lot of people might be surprised to learn that when it comes to HVAC system size – bigger is not better. When your HVAC system is too large, it costs more to run and it’s harder to control the indoor temperature and humidity levels.

To maximize efficiency, choose a smaller system that allows your AC to operate continuously. When your system is able to run continuously, the AC won’t shift between high-blast and not running at all. With an HVAC system that is the right size for your home, you’ll likely feel more comfortable during the summer in a house that’s set at 75 degrees with a lower humidity level than you would in a home that was set at 68 degrees with a higher humidity level.

Myth #2: Changing the thermostat settings will fix my temperature problems

HVAC myth number two, once you have the right size HVAC system, there’s still an ideal temperature range to consider. HVAC systems work by either being turned on or off. Setting the temperature on the thermostat really low or really high won’t get you to your desired indoor temperature faster. The only thing it does do is make your AC or furnace work longer.

During the summer, it’s best to not set your thermostat lower than 70 to 72 degrees. Most units are not designed to cool a house below that point, and you risk the system freezing up. In the winter, it can be tempting to walk over to your thermostat and crank up the heat. In the winter, I wouldn’t set your furnace much higher than 75 and definitely not above 78 degrees. This temperature setting can be too hot for a house and you’d be wasting a great deal of energy.

Myth #3: Routine HVAC maintenance isn’t important

You routinely change the oil and rotate the tires on your car to keep it running smoothly. So why ignore your HVAC system? Investing in regular maintenance can save you time and money. There are many parts to an HVAC system – electrical parts, coils and motors. Not taking care of your system can lead to expensive repairs that could have been avoided with regular maintenance and cleaning.

Maintenance is also an important step in extending the life of your heating and cooling system. A furnace or air conditioner can last up to 20 years — but not if it’s poorly maintained.

Myth #4: I should cover my AC in the winter

You may have read or heard from a neighbor that you need to cover your AC unit to protect it from snow. This is actually one of the common HVAC myths homeowners often believe. Covering the top and sides of your air conditioner can allow moisture to build up, causing damage to the unit. It also provides a nice warm place for mice or other rodents to build a nest and pass time by chewing away at the wires. If you do cover your AC in the winter, only cover the top. Manufacturer guidelines don’t recommend covering the sides of your air conditioner.

Myth #5: The location of my thermostat isn’t important

The thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system. It is what tells your furnace or AC to turn on and off. Where you place your thermostat can have an impact on how accurately it operates. For example, placing the thermostat in an area of your home where it could receive a lot of direct sunlight during the day could cause the thermostat to think it’s hotter in your house than it actually is. The room where you place the thermostat also matters. Hallways have a different airflow than the rest of the home and are not often occupied. And the heat that is generated by the stove and oven in your kitchen can create the same problem as direct sunlight and cause your thermostat to think your house is warmer than it actually is.

Myth #6: I don’t need to change my furnace filter

Changing your furnace filter is very important. In fact, changing the filter is the No. 1 thing a you can do to maintain your furnace. A dirty furnace filter will restrict air flow into the HVAC system and decrease its efficiency. It’s also important to remember that all of the air in your home passes through the furnace filter. A dirty filter can have a significant impact on the indoor air quality inside your home. This video shares the different types of filters and how often each one needs changing.

Myth #7: I shouldn’t run the AC fan continuously

This is a common HVAC myth that continues to circulate among homeowners. We recommend that homeowners keep their AC fan set to “On.” Most thermostats are located on the main level of the home, helping the first floor and basement maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Keeping the fan running constantly will help air flow more evenly throughout your home.

Running your AC system fan all day can actually use less energy and help keep your house more comfortable. It will also cause less wear on your motor because it’s not starting and stopping all day like it would when set to “Auto.”

Our trained and certified HVAC technicians are here to help. If you have any questions about your HVAC system, connect with us online.

If you’re looking to upgrade your current HVAC system and are researching the difference between a heat pump and a gas furnace, there’s a good chance you are finding articles online that discuss the pros and cons of a heat pump vs a gas furnace.

In this blog post, Bell Brothers wants to share the option for a heat pump with a gas furnace backup, which is known as a hybrid heat pump.

What is a Hybrid Heat Pump?

A hybrid heat system uses a conventional gas furnace in conjunction with an electric-powered air source heat pump. The heat pump looks like the outdoor air conditioning unit and works similarly. While an air conditioning unit moves warm air from inside the house outside, a heat pump does just the opposite. In the winter, it gathers heat outside, concentrates it and moves it inside. Moving heat is much more efficient than creating heat.

3 Reasons to Consider Heat Pump with Gas Furnace:

Cost Savings

When customers are considering a hybrid system, a common question we hear is, “Do you really save money with a heat pump?” Since heat pumps are powered by electricity, homeowners have the flexibility of switching between gas and electricity to heat the house. For example, when gas is less expensive a homeowner can set the system to run the gas furnace more and the heat pump less. There are many hybrid heat options available that are Energy Star® qualified and that will provide energy-efficient heating and cooling to help reduce your energy costs.

Comfortability

Combining a high-efficiency gas furnace with an electric air source heat pump will provide continuous temperature control in your home. Most gas furnaces kick on and off trying to reach the right temperature. A heat pump has a much longer run cycle, which keeps temperatures more constant in the home. Some deluxe models feature variable capacity, which allows them to run on a lower speed for longer cycles and provide higher energy efficiency and comfort. This reduces those four- to five-degree swings in temperature that come with single-speed furnaces.

Live in a Mild Climate

Due to the design of heat pumps, they will heat your home most efficiently when the outside temperature is 25 to 60 degrees. The gas furnace is more efficient when temperatures are below 25 because it is designed to handle that load. If you live in a location where it’s colder than 25 degrees the majority of the time (e.g., Alaska), a heat pump may not be the most efficient choice. In Iowa, the hybrid system makes perfect sense. The heat pump provides heat the majority of the time, when the temperature is moderate, and the gas furnace takes over when the weather is severe.

Annual furnace maintenance in Des Moines is one of the smartest investments homeowners can make for comfort, safety, and efficiency. A common question our service techs and sales team hear often is: How important is annual furnace maintenance?

Our simple answer: extremely important.

When you buy a new car, do you run it 100,000 miles without getting the oil changed? Not a chance. It’s the same idea with your home’s heating system. Annual furnace maintenance in Des Moines keeps your furnace working efficiently and reduces the chances of an unexpected midwinter breakdown.

Benefits of Annual Furnace Maintenance in Des Moines

One of the main concerns for your furnace is dirt. Homeowners in Iowa typically use their furnace for six months of the year. For the other six months when the furnace isn’t being used, dirt and dust accumulates in the machine, which prevents the furnace from working at peak performance.

Quick fact: By not properly cleaning your furnace every year, your HVAC system can lose up to 40% of efficiency.

Routine annual furnace maintenance in Des Moines helps extend the life of your furnace and also ensures it’s working safely. Professional service performed by a trained technician should include:

DIY? Furnace Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

While most furnace maintenance needs to be performed by a professional, there are a few things homeowners can do to keep their system working efficiently throughout fall and winter.

Related article: DIY furnace maintenance checklist

Annual Furnace Maintenance Cost Factors in Des Moines

Several factors can impact the price of annual furnace maintenance in Des Moines, and understanding them helps homeowners know what they’re paying for:

At Bell Brothers, our primary objective is to help provide homeowners with the peace of mind that their HVAC systems are running at optimal safety and efficiency. We work closely with homeowners to understand their needs and challenges and help them choose an annual furnace maintenance plan in Des Moines that works best for them. Ask about our furnace installation services today.

Schedule Your Service Today with Bell Brothers in Des Moines

If you want to avoid unexpected breakdowns and keep your heating system working at peak performance, scheduling annual furnace maintenance in Des Moines is the solution. Bell Brothers has been serving central Iowa homeowners since 1955 with expert HVAC care, trusted technicians, and customer-first service.

Contact us online today to schedule annual furnace maintenance in Des Moines and keep your home warm, safe, and efficient all winter long.

Now that colder temperatures have settled into the Midwest, you might be noticing that even though your furnace is turned on, your house still feels cold. If you're worried that your furnace isn’t running efficiently — don’t be. If you regularly change the furnace filter and have already had seasonal furnace maintenance performed, it is likely that the cause is unrelated to your system efficiency.

The comfort level in your home is determined by the indoor temperature and humidity level. But one thing that can prevent this from happening easily and efficiently is negative pressure.

Schedule Online

What Is Negative Air Pressure?

Negative pressure occurs when there is less air in your home than outside. Poorly sealed doors and windows will pull in the outside air. When this occurs in the winter, cold, dry air is pulled into your home.

How To Fix Negative Air Pressure In Your House

Seal Windows

The four main home conveniences that suck the air out of your house are exhaust fans, dryers, water heaters and non-combustion furnaces. Don’t fret. There are a few things you can do to help keep your home from experiencing negative pressure.

Taking steps to address negative pressure will help keep your home more comfortable and your HVAC system from working overtime this winter.

Schedule Online

Air Conditioning Unit Outside

Get an Accurate HVAC Quote with an Inspection

" alt="Bell Brothers technician working on furnace" data-image="43949" data-src="https://storage.googleapis.com/2rm-hosted-volumes/bell-brothers/annual_furnace_maintenance.jpg" />

Check out these four warning signs it might be time to replace your furnace:

1.Your furnace is over 20 years old
The average lifespan of a gas furnace is 15-20 years. If you properly care for your furnace by regularly changing the filter and performing yearly maintenance, you can extend the life of your system past 20 years. If your furnace is over 20 years old and requires frequent repairs, it might be nearing the end of its useful life.

Instead of continuing to rely on an undependable system, you may want to think about upgrading to a new furnace. We recommend homeowners compare the expense of the repair against the potential savings and rebates they will receive from the purchase of a new furnace. Work with a trusted HVAC technician to learn your options and determine which one will provide the best return on investment.

Related Video Content: Should you update or repair?

2.Your furnace makes funny noises
Rattling and popping are noises you don’t want to hear coming from your furnace. Here are some common noises to listen for and what could be the cause.

3.Your energy bill is rising
If your energy bills are increasing while your heating usage stays the same, your furnace may not be operating efficiently. If you change your furnace filter regularly and have preventive maintenance performed once a year, it might be a sign that it’s time to consider replacing your furnace. The best thing to do is have a trusted HVAC technician come to your home and evaluate the condition of your furnace.

4.Rooms in your house range from hot to cold
Do you find yourself adjusting the thermostat to try and combat temperature issues in different parts of your home? If you answered yes, you might just need a new thermostat. It could also mean your furnace isn’t distributing heat properly throughout your home. If this is a problem you are experiencing, we recommend having an HVAC technician visit your home and determine if the problem is with your thermostat or your furnace.

If you’re asking yourself, “Why is my furnace not working?” — you’re not alone. It’s a common problem during Iowa’s cold season, and we know how stressful it is when your heat stops working. Before you call in a technician, there are a few quick checks you can make to possibly fix the issue yourself.

Whether you're waking up to a chilly house and the heat just isn’t kicking in, here are five things to look at when your furnace is not working.

1. Check the Thermostat Batteries

If your furnace isn’t working, your thermostat may be the culprit. When the batteries are dead or weak, your thermostat might not signal the furnace to turn on at all.

Tip: If you haven’t replaced the batteries in over a year, start there. Swapping them out is a quick fix that could get your heat running again.

2. Double-Check Your Thermostat Settings

Sometimes the issue is just a setting error. Ask yourself: “Did someone adjust the temperature or mode?”

Make sure your thermostat is:

Still wondering “why is my furnace not working?” This step alone resolves the issue in many homes.

3. Make Sure Your Furnace Switch Is Turned On

Every furnace has a dedicated power switch that can sometimes be flipped off by mistake. This switch often looks like a light switch and is located on or near the side of your furnace.

If your furnace is not working at all, flip the switch off and back on to reset it. You’d be surprised how often this solves the issue.

4. Check Your Furnace Circuit Breaker

Head to your electrical panel and find the breaker labeled “furnace.” If it’s tripped (in the middle position), switch it to OFF, then back to ON.

This step is especially important if your furnace won’t turn on after a power outage or power surge.

5. Inspect and Replace the Furnace Filter

A dirty or clogged air filter is one of the most common reasons a furnace stops working. Reduced airflow can cause your system to overheat and shut down.

To avoid this:

Regular filter changes can prevent future breakdowns and keep your HVAC system running efficiently.

Still Wondering Why Your Furnace Isn’t Working?

If you’ve checked all of the above and your furnace is still not working, it may be time to call in the pros. It could be a faulty ignitor, gas valve, or control board, all of which require a trained technician.

Bell Brothers is available 24/7 to help Des Moines homeowners with no-heat emergencies. Whether you’re dealing with inconsistent airflow, a furnace that won’t start, or strange sounds coming from your unit, we’re here to get your home warm again, fast.

Contact us online to schedule a furnace repair.

 

Updated: September 1st, 2022

We receive many calls from customers asking if they should upgrade from a 90% to a 96% efficiency gas furnace. There are a few factors to consider before making the change to a variable speed furnace. Let's get into it.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Variable Speed Furnace

It’s important to have a high-efficiency furnace in your home to help protect yourself from high utility bills. A high-efficiency furnace has a rating of 90% or above. So, what does the 90% efficient rating mean? If a furnace is rated at 90% it means 10% of the energy used is lost, and 90% becomes heat.

If you have a 90% efficiency or above furnace that's 10 years old or less, to upgrade to a 96% efficient furnace probably doesn't make a lot of sense. Why? Because depending on the size of the furnace you're looking at, you may only save $50 to $100 in energy costs per year. That’s almost nothing compared to the cost of a new furnace.

However, when you look at the overall energy consumption of a furnace, you need to look at how much gas it will use AND how much electricity will it use to move warm air through the house. What makes a difference in electrical consumption is the type of blower motor in the furnace.

Two Primary Types of Gas Furnace Blower Motors

Standard furnace motor

Many of the 90% efficient furnaces installed since the 1980s use a standard blower motor. Meaning the furnace only operates at one speed — typically fast — and provides a sudden, noisy blast of air. These motors are much larger than the motors used today to move warm air throughout your home … meaning they are not very energy efficient.

Variable-speed furnace motor

A variable speed blower motor runs at different speeds to precisely control the flow of heated air throughout your home. It constantly monitors the data coming from your heating and cooling system and automatically adjusts to meet your comfort needs. Plus, a variable speed motor gradually ramps up to full speed eliminating the sudden, noisy blast of a standard furnace motors. The best news … a variable speed furnace motor is 80–85% more efficient than a standard furnace motor.

Is Upgrading to a Variable Speed Gas Furnace Worth It?

If you are going to upgrade from a 90% to a 96% efficient furnace make sure it has a variable speed furnace motor, and you could enjoy energy savings of up to $400 a year. Otherwise it’s not worth the investment.

Let’s recap...

Updated: September 29th, 2022

Fall is a busy time of year for many of us. In between football games and soccer matches, families are planning weekend outings to the local pumpkin patch and helping their kids find the perfect Halloween costume. As the calendar fills up, it’s easy to overlook scheduling a furnace inspection before the cold winter weather arrives.

You might be thinking, “I don’t need my furnace checked, I had that done last year,” but yearly routine maintenance is important because it ensures your furnace is working properly and safely. No one wants to have their furnace breakdown during the first snowstorm of the season.

One of the main concerns for your furnace is dust. Since many furnaces aren’t used for six months out of the year, dust accumulates inside the furnace and prevents it from working at peak performance. Maintenance by a trained HVAC service technician ensures your system doesn’t get bogged down and is working efficiently. If not properly cleaned every year, your system could be losing up to 40 percent of efficiency! While most maintenance needs to be performed by a trained technician, there are steps you can take to prepare for winter.

Learn more: What Shouldn’t Happen During a Furnace Checkup!

Change Your Furnace Filter

Changing your furnace filter regularly is the No. 1 thing homeowners can do to maintain their furnace. Standard 1-inch disposable filters should be changed monthly while high efficiency air cleaners can be changed less often — every three to four months. There are filters that last six months, but check with your HVAC professional for more information.

Changing your furnace filter is simple, and in just a few minutes your home’s HVAC system receives several benefits.

Lastly, don’t overwork your system by setting the desired temperature too high. The perfect indoor environment in the winter is 72 degrees and 35 percent relative humidity. If you’re turning the thermostat up, that means your humidity could be too low. Using a humidifier to raise the humidity to 35 percent provides a comfortable living environment at a temperature of 72 degrees.

Taking these steps will help ensure your home stays warm and cozy all winter long, so the only thing you have to worry about is stocking the cupboard with enough hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Learn more: Avoid Furnace Repair Scams

Updated: February 27th, 2025

How to Improve HVAC Energy Efficiency Before Colder Days Arrive

As winter approaches in Des Moines and the surrounding Midwest, homeowners must confirm that their HVAC systems operate at peak efficiency. Iowa winters bring frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, and freezing winds, making a well-functioning heating system essential for home comfort.

However, an inefficient HVAC system can lead to higher energy bills, reduced indoor comfort, and costly emergency repairs when it is overworked. Proper HVAC maintenance helps homeowners reduce heating costs, extend the lifespan of their heating systems, and improve indoor air quality.

At Bell Brothers, we specialize in HVAC energy efficiency solutions. We provide expert tune-ups, preventative maintenance, and energy-saving upgrades to help homeowners stay warm while minimizing energy waste. Following these seven energy efficiency tips, you can keep your home comfortable and lower your winter utility bills before the coldest days arrive.

Learn more: Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer and Winter

7 Ways to Improve Your Home’s HVAC Energy Efficiency

1. Schedule a Professional HVAC Inspection

A professional HVAC inspection verifies that your system is running smoothly before winter sets in. A licensed HVAC technician will inspect essential components, including:

Scheduling an annual HVAC inspection helps catch minor problems before they become major repairs. Regular maintenance prevents costly emergency breakdowns, ensuring your furnace or heat pump can handle the demands of an Iowa winter.

Schedule your HVAC maintenance appointment now to keep your system running efficiently this winter.

2. Replace or Clean Furnace Filters

Your furnace filter is critical in maintaining airflow and indoor air quality. A clogged or dirty filter forces your HVAC system to work harder, consuming more energy and reducing overall efficiency. To maximize performance:

A clean filter reduces energy waste, improves air circulation, and helps extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. For more essential maintenance tips, check out our guide on the importance of HVAC maintenance and how it keeps your system running efficiently year-round.

3. Check & Seal Ductwork for Air Leaks

Did you know that up to 30% of heated air can be lost due to leaky ductwork? Cracks, holes, and poorly sealed joints allow warm air to escape, forcing your system to work harder to maintain indoor comfort.

To improve efficiency:

Sealing and insulating ductwork ensures more heated air reaches your living spaces, reducing energy waste and heating costs.

Learn more: How to Save Money on Your Next Heating Bill with These 8 Resolutions

4. Optimize Thermostat Settings

A properly programmed thermostat can lead to significant energy savings without sacrificing comfort. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends:

Smart thermostats learn your habits and adjust settings automatically, helping homeowners optimize HVAC performance while reducing energy costs.

5. Clear the Area Around Outdoor Units

If your home relies on a heat pump, keeping the outdoor unit clear of obstructions for optimal airflow is important.

A heat pump that has unrestricted airflow operates more efficiently, reducing strain on the system and lowering winter utility bills and helping with hvac energy efficiency.

6. Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Safety

A well-maintained furnace should never produce unsafe carbon monoxide (CO) levels, but an aging or faulty system could pose a silent but deadly risk. Protect your household by:

CO poisoning is a serious risk during the winter months, especially in tightly sealed homes. Regular HVAC maintenance helps prevent CO leaks, keeping your home safe and warm.

7. Improve Home Insulation & Weather Stripping

Even the most efficient heating system won’t perform well if your home is poorly insulated. Heat loss through windows, doors, and walls forces your furnace to work overtime, increasing energy costs.

Better insulation helps your home maintain a stable indoor temperature, reducing the workload on your HVAC system and lowering your heating bills.

The Benefits of an Energy-Efficient HVAC System

Investing in HVAC energy efficiency offers a range of benefits:

Reduced Environmental Impact: An energy-efficient HVAC system lowers your carbon footprint, making your home more eco-friendly.

Schedule an Energy Efficiency Tune-Up with Bell Brothers

Scheduling an annual HVAC inspection helps catch minor problems before they become major repairs. However, if you’re experiencing a heating system failure or urgent issue, Bell Brothers offers 24/7 emergency heating and cooling services to restore comfort to your home as quickly as possible.

Our preventative HVAC maintenance allows homeowners to avoid costly breakdowns, improve home comfort, and save on winter heating costs. Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch service and energy-efficient solutions to keep Des Moines homes warm all season.

Are You Ready to Save on Energy Bills and Stay Warm All Winter?

Improve your home's HVAC energy efficiency today with Bell Brothers' expert services. Schedule your HVAC maintenance appointment now and make certain your heating system is ready for the coldest days ahead. Don't wait for the first freeze—call Bell Brothers today to schedule your HVAC tune-up and enjoy a warm, efficient, and cost-effective home this winter!

calendar-fullcross