Top Myths About Commercial HVAC Systems in NYC – Here’s The Truth!

When it comes to commercial HVAC systems, everyone thinks they know best—from your landlord to that one guy on your team who watched a YouTube video. But the truth is, there’s a lot of misinformation floating around that can lead to higher energy bills, uncomfortable buildings, and expensive repairs.

Let’s clear the air (literally) and bust some of the biggest HVAC myths so NYC business owners can make smarter decisions about their heating and cooling systems.

Myth #1: Bigger Is Better When It Comes To HVAC Units

Reality: A bigger HVAC system doesn’t mean better performance—it usually means more problems.

Many people assume that installing the biggest possible unit will cool or heat their space faster. But in reality, an oversized system will short cycle, meaning it turns on and off too frequently. This causes:

• Uneven temperatures (hot and cold spots everywhere).
• Higher energy bills (because the system keeps starting and stopping).
• More wear and tear (leading to breakdowns and costly repairs).

The Fix: A properly sized HVAC system is key. Work with an expert who understands NYC’s unique building layouts and can calculate the right size for your space.

Myth #2: Closing Vents Saves Energy

Reality: Closing vents does NOT lower your energy bill. It can actually increase it.

Many businesses think that if they close off vents in unused rooms, they’ll save money. But commercial HVAC systems are designed to distribute air evenly, and blocking vents throws off the balance. This can cause:

• Increased pressure in the ductwork, leading to air leaks.
• Lowered efficiency, making the system work harder.
• More strain on the unit, shortening its lifespan.

The Fix: Instead of closing vents, invest in a zoning system that allows you to control temperatures in different areas more efficiently.

Myth #3: HVAC Maintenance Isn’t Necessary Unless There’s a Problem

Reality: Waiting for something to break before calling for HVAC service is a bad idea.

Think of your HVAC system like a car. If you don’t get regular oil changes, you’re eventually going to have a breakdown. Ignoring maintenance leads to:

• Higher emergency HVAC repair costs (because small issues turn into big ones).
• Poor air quality (dust, mold, and bacteria build up in neglected systems).
• Shorter system lifespan, forcing you to replace your unit sooner than expected.

The Fix: Schedule regular HVAC tune-ups. In NYC, commercial systems should be checked at least twice a year to keep them running efficiently.

Myth #4: The Thermostat Works Like a Gas Pedal

Reality: Cranking the thermostat up or down won’t heat or cool your space any faster.

We’ve all seen it: someone walks into a hot or cold office and immediately slams the thermostat to an extreme setting. But HVAC systems don’t work like that. They heat and cool at a steady rate, so setting it to 50°F won’t cool your space any quicker than setting it to 68°F.

What actually happens? You end up wasting energy because people forget to reset the thermostat, making the system overwork.

The Fix: Use a programmable or smart thermostat to set optimal temperatures and avoid unnecessary energy waste.

Myth #5: NYC Buildings Don’t Need Humidity Control

Reality: Humidity matters. A lot.

NYC gets brutal summers and dry winters, and if your HVAC system isn’t managing humidity properly, you’ll feel it. High humidity in the summer makes your space feel hotter and encourages mold growth, while low humidity in the winter causes dry air that irritates skin and damages wood furniture.

The Fix: Install a humidifier or dehumidifier to keep moisture levels balanced year-round.

Don’t Fall for HVAC Myths—Get the Facts!

NYC’s commercial buildings have unique HVAC challenges, from old steam heating systems to modern high-efficiency cooling units. The best way to avoid costly mistakes? Work with experienced professionals who know what they’re doing.

At Commercial Repair LLC, we help business owners keep their HVAC systems running smoothly, without the myths and misinformation. Need a repair, tune-up, or expert advice? Give us a call today!