Not necessarily.  Equipment often appears to be running fine but may be on the brink of failure.  Furnaces can have cracked heat exchangers and appear to run properly.  However, they are leaking carbon monoxide setting up a very dangerous situation.  Air conditioners will run low on refrigerant but have to run harder and longer.  This can eventually lead to equipment failure.  Just because it runs when you want it to doesn't mean there's not a serious problem.

Misconception #2 -- Changing filters is all the maintenance you need.

That's a good start but more should be done.  Changing and keeping filters clean is critical to maintaining the proper air flow through your equipment.  However, there are numerous things that should be done regularly.  The blower should be inspected and lubed.  Refrigerant level and thermocouples checked.  Burners adjusted and cleaned.  You see, it's more than just changing filters.

Misconception #3 -- It's normal for some rooms to be hotter or cooler than others.

No.  Each room should maintain proper temperature.  With a properly designed air distribution system all should be comfortable.  A properly designed system will have different size ducts and registers serving each room.  The ducts and registers should only be identical if the rooms are identical and that is unusual.  The ducts should also have adjustable dampers for adjusting the air flow to each area.

Misconception #4 -- Indoor air quality is not a problem at my house.

Not true.  All houses have indoor air quality problems.  They just differ in severity.  All houses have some problems with dust.  It is usually most noticeable right after you've dusted or when company is coming over.  In the springtime, pollen can be a big problem.  And if you have pets, there's pet hair and dander that get in your air.  There are also fumes from painting, hairspray, cooking, and who knows what else.  Plastic in your house is always giving off molecules as it sets up.  If you have allergies, all these problems feel amplified by your sneezing and runny nose.  All houses have indoor air pollution, some are just worse than others.

Misconception #5 -- Service contracts are a waste of money.

No.  Regular service is critical to making your equipment last a long time and run efficiently.  Regular servicing also can detect small problems before they become more serious.  No one wants their system to fail on the hottest or coldest day of the year.  Regular servicing helps keep your system in tip top shape and pays for itself in the long run.

Misconception #6 -- The company that offers the lowest price is the company you should hire.

Maybe -- but not always.  Here are a few points to consider.

Point #1:  The price you see offered may not be for the services you want performed.  Before you select a company, decide what you want to accomplish.  Price is usually an indication of quality.  More efficient equipment costs more.  Better trained service people cost more.  Reliable service and products cost more.  You don't buy the cheapest car, clothes, or foods.  Don't let price be the deciding factor when choosing a contractor.

Point #2:  The price you see advertised may not be the price you pay.  Many homeowners have learned that the low price they saw advertised was not the amount they were charged.

And if you've hired a contractor, you too may have been the victim of false or misleading advertising.  You probably learned the hard way that some companies offer a cheap price -- and then pressure you into paying a lot more once they get inside your home.  Some of them may even break the law by using illegal bait and switch tactics.

As in all businesses and professions, the Heating and Air industry has its share of bad apples.  I take no pleasure in telling you this, but some are unethical -- and sadly, a few are dishonest.  By their misleading advertising and false promises, they cast a dark shadow on our entire industry.