You use your air-conditioning every day, but do you know how it works? Unfortunately, several myths and misconceptions exist about air-conditioners, leading to homeowners misusing their AC systems. So we’re separating the truth from the lies so that you can avoid a costly AC repair bill.
Myth: Installing A Larger System Means You’ll Have More Power
Truth. While it may seem like the more powerful your air conditioner is, the colder air you’ll get, that’s actually not true. What’s important is getting the right size unit to fit your home, which will ensure the unit can cool your space properly. If you get a unit that’s too big, it’ll only cycle on and off too quickly, wasting energy and money.
Myth: You Can Place Your Thermostat Anywhere in Your Home
Truth. Have you ever been in a situation where your thermostat is reading 15 degrees hotter than it is? Then, you walk into another room and realize the temperature is 15 degrees cooler. While some people might be inclined to blame their thermostat for being faulty, it’s more likely that it’s just in the wrong place. It’s a myth that your thermostat can be placed anywhere.
Your AC unit thermostat needs to go in a place where it’s not affected by direct sunlight. If your AC unit thermostat is in the wrong spot, it’ll read the temperature incorrectly, and your air conditioner won’t be able to regulate effectively.
Myth: The Furnace Is Only Used in The Winter
Truth. It’s a common misconception that the furnace and AC unit are separate systems. But the fact is, they work together to create the indoor environment you need.
- A drain pan for collecting condensation from cooling coils.
- An evaporator coil (for cooling) and a condenser coil (for heating).
- A compressor.
- A motor.
- Ductwork for distributing air throughout the home.
- Refrigerant for cooling or transferring heat away from the home in the summer and toward the home in the winter.
Booking an AC tune-up keeps your AC unit and furnace in tip-top shape.
Myth: You’ll Cool Your Home Faster by Setting Your Thermostat Lower
Truth. If you’re a homeowner, you’re likely familiar with the routine of coming home after a long day at work to a house that feels like an oven—and then immediately turning down the thermostat to cool your house down faster. After all, if you set your desired temperature lower than the actual temperature, it should kick your air conditioning system into high gear and cool your home down faster than it might if you were just lowering the temperature a few degrees, right?
Wrong. No matter how low you set the temperature, your cooling system takes time to chill your home. Setting it at a lower temperature won’t cool your home any quicker.
Myth: You’ll Save Money by Closing Vents in Select Rooms
Truth. The logic seems sound: if your central AC is set to cool a specific temperature, and you only need that cool air in two rooms instead of three, why waste energy on unoccupied space?
The reality is quite different; closing off vents does nothing to lower your bill and even causes problems for your air conditioner’s overall performance.
The result?
The AC will be forced to work harder to reach its target temperature, which means higher energy bills.
Myth: AC Tune-Ups Are Only Needed for Dodgy Air Conditioning Systems
Truth. You’re already too late if you wait until your HVAC system isn’t working to get a tune-up. Your system has probably been suffering damage for some time—and you may even be looking at a complete replacement instead of just a repair.
A tune-up will benefit your HVAC system, whether it’s working well or not. It helps prevent damage and keeps your system working efficiently—which means less energy wasted and a lower bill for you. It also prolongs your unit’s lifetime, so you won’t have to buy a new one before its time.
Need to book an Ac tune-up for your San Diego, Southern Californian home? Speak to the HVAC professionals at ASI, The White Glove Guys.
