Scare Tactics, Misdiagnosed Heat Exchangers, and the Myth of “Decreasing Efficiency”
When the weather turns cold, homeowners start relying on their furnaces — and unfortunately, that’s also when the scare tactics start showing up. We’ve all heard the stories: a technician claims your furnace has rust or hot spots, or that your heat exchanger is “cracked,” and suddenly you’re being pressured to replace it immediately.
The problem is, not all of these claims are honest.
At Kingdom Heating & Air, we’ve seen plenty of situations where a customer was told their heat exchanger was cracked, only for us to inspect it and find it perfectly fine. Diagnosing a failed heat exchanger takes precision and the right equipment — not just a flashlight and fear-based sales talk. If someone can’t clearly show you where it’s cracked or prove it through testing, it’s not a diagnosis. It’s a sales pitch.
The “Decreasing Efficiency” Myth
Another popular line is, “Your furnace is getting less efficient as it gets older.”
That’s not entirely true.
A properly maintained furnace maintains its original efficiency rating for most of its life. A 95% furnace doesn’t slowly drop to 80% just because of age — it only loses efficiency when it’s dirty, neglected, or improperly set up. Routine maintenance, combustion analysis, and proper airflow testing keep your system performing as it should.
When a technician tells you your 10-year-old furnace is “only running at 70% now,” ask for proof. There’s no meter or magical reading that tells them that. It’s often just another scare tactic to sell new equipment.
Honest HVAC Starts with Education
We believe homeowners deserve the truth. That means clear explanations, real test results, and photos when something actually needs to be replaced. If a technician can’t explain the “why” behind their recommendation, it’s okay to get a second opinion.
At Kingdom Heating & Air, we don’t believe in pressure or gimmicks. We believe in technical excellence, integrity, and doing what’s right for the customer — every time. Because your trust is worth more than a quick sale.
About Kingdom Heating & Air
Kingdom Heating & Air provides honest, high-quality HVAC service throughout the Treasure Valley. From accurate diagnostics to expert furnace repairs and maintenance, our focus is on safety, comfort, and long-term performance — not scare tactics.
Call or text (208)-599-8185 to schedule your furnace inspection or annual tune-up today.
Visit www.kingdomheatingandair.com to learn more about what makes Kingdom Heating & Air different.
