During summer months, air conditioners are incredibly helpful in keeping us cool and comfortable. A number of misconceptions about these cooling systems exist that can lead to inefficiencies, misunderstandings, and unnecessary expenses. In this blog post, we will debunk some of the most common myths about air conditioning, providing you with accurate information on how these systems function and how to achieve optimal performance.
Myth: Set the thermostat to a lower temperature to cool the room faster.
Fiction: Setting the thermostat temperature lower cools the room faster. Air conditioners run at one fixed speed, no matter the temperature setting. Turning the thermostat down simply has the system run longer to achieve that temperature, wasting energy in the process. Instead, set the thermostat to a comfortable temp to allow the system to keep the entire space cool over time.
MYTH: It’s more energy-efficient to leave your AC on all day than to leave it off when not in use.
Myth: Running the AC all day while no-one is home is energy-efficient. It’s more efficient to actually shut off the air conditioner when you leave, and turn it back on when you get home. Programmable thermostats enable you to set cooling schedules, allowing you have a comfortable environment when you need it but save energy when no one is home.
Myth: Closing vents in unused rooms saves energy.
Myth: ”It makes sense to save energy by closing vents in unused rooms. Modern air conditioning systems are designed to circulate air evenly throughout the house. Blocking vents damages the balance and gives you pressure imbalances, that can cause the system to consume more energy and less efficiency.
Myth: Fans cool a room down
Fact: Fans do not cool a room; they create a cooling effect by circulating air. Fans may help you feel more comfortable by creating a breeze that aids in evaporating moisture from your skin, contributing to a cooling sensation. But they don’t actually lower the temperature in the room.
Myth: Central air conditioners don’t need maintenance until they fail.
Fact: Regular Maintenance Make Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently and Give It a Longer Life. If you neglect to take care of repairs, maintenance and upkeep, you will end up with a broken down unit that eats away at the efficiency of your electricity bills, which leads to more repair costs. It is advisable to get professional maintenance at least once a year, including cleaning filters, checking components and verifying refrigerant levels.
Myth: Larger air conditioning units cool faster and more efficiently.
Myth: Air conditioners should be sized larger than the size needed to cool the space. An oversized AC will cool the room rapidly, but it won’t efficiently dehumidify the air, leading to a damp and uncomfortable environment. Too-small units will not be able to achieve the desired temperature. It’s important to consult with a HVAC professional who can advise you on the right size for your space.
Clearing these myths, we will understand better how to get the most out of these game-changing cooling systems. Call Aire One Peel today, and we will get your air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently.
