There are a lot of air conditioning myths that we have run across since we have been in business. It’s time to stop believing in these common HVAC misconceptions and start saving your hard-earned cash.
Our air conditioning pros at Super Heat & Air explore the biggest air conditioning myths that you may have heard, and ways that you can save money—without skimping on comfort.
Let’s bust those air conditioning myths once and for all!
Myth #1: Turning Your Thermostat Way Down Will Cool Your Home Faster
Even if you set the thermostat to the lowest possible setting, your home will cool down as quickly as your air conditioner can run.
Using a smart or programmable thermostat can help with temperature fluctuations. You could increase the temperature while you are away from home by a few degrees and lower it when you get back. This can help avoid drastic increases or decreases in temperature—and save your unit from overworking.
Keep in mind, the closer your thermostat setting to the outside temperature, the more you will save.
Myth #2: Bigger AC Units Always Work Better
If your AC unit has a capacity that is too large for your home, it will force the compressor to turn itself on and off in quick intervals, which can wear it out, shorten its lifespan, and use a ton of electricity.
On the other hand, an air conditioner that is too small for your space can waste energy and money because it will always run to try to cool your home, even though it will be inefficient to do so.
Having a professional from Super Heat & Air help you select an air conditioner that is the right size for your home is the best way to save on your energy bill.
Myth #3: You Should Turn Your Ac Off When You Are Not Home to Save Energy
This myth is only true if you are going to be away from your home for an extended period. If you turn your AC off when you leave for work, it will have to work harder to cool your home down when you get back home.
In this case, it is always better to turn the thermostat up by several degrees than off completely.
Myth #4: Air Conditioning Can Cause a Cold
Colds are not caused by temperatures, rather they are caused by a virus. To become sick, you must be exposed to germs, viruses, or bacteria.
Your air conditioning system does have an impact on the indoor air quality in your house, and airborne illnesses could be a result of a dirty air conditioner or ductwork.
Myth #5: You Only Need to Replace Your Air Filters Once a Year
Over time, air filters accumulate dust, mold, and other allergens which can cause poor airflow—forcing your AC to work harder. This will result in high energy usage and exorbitant utility bills.
Further, a dirty air filter will worsen the air quality in your home and circulate pathogens throughout your home.
Generally, it is recommended in a humid climate to change your air filters every 30-60 days.
Myth #6: It Is Best to Let Your Old AC Break Down Before Replacing
While it may cost more to upgrade to a new AC unit in the beginning, the higher efficiency can save you more money than operating your old one. If your AC unit is over 10 years old, it may be time for an upgrade—even if it hasn’t broken down yet.
Myth #7: The Location of Your Thermostat Doesn’t Affect the Temperature or Air Quality In Your Home
The location of your thermostat is key to your HVAC system’s performance and efficiency. Thermostats should always be installed away from sources of heat or cooling, and in a central location where it can get an average reading of the temperature in your home.
Poorly placed thermostats will waste energy and money. A well-placed thermostat will efficiently control your environment and read your home’s temperature accurately.
Myth #8: Fans Keep Rooms Cooler
While fans do move air around in a room, they do not affect air temperature. They may make you feel cooler due to the wind-chill effect, which can be a great way to cool you down without lowering your thermostat.
Myth #9: You Should Close the Air Vents in Unused Rooms
Closing vents not only causes pressure to build up in the ducts, but it also throws off the air distribution throughout your entire home—making your AC work harder.
Myth #10: If You Have a Newer Unit, Maintenance Checkups Are a Waste of Time and Money
This is perhaps the worst myth of all. If you have a high-efficiency air conditioner, don’t you want it to stay efficient for as long as possible?
Seasonal maintenance and cleaning are the best way to keep your unit running efficiently and fix minor issues before they become more costly problems.
Schedule Seasonal HVAC Maintenance
Now that Fall is just around the corner, it is a great time to schedule a maintenance service for your HVAC system. Keeping your HVAC system well maintained is the best way to keep it running smoothly and efficiently year-round. (813) 279-8213
