There’s nothing funny about being misled by interesting AC information online. Follow the wrong advice, and you could end up dealing with costlier cooling problems. We’ve taken the initiative to debunk these common AC myths for you.
1. Lowering the Thermostat Will Improve Cooling
With a new air conditioner, you may think that lowering the thermostat temperature will speed up the cooling process. Most modern systems can run at variable speeds because they use two-stage technology. However, your AC unit can’t produce more cool air at a faster rate. It will simply run until the desired indoor temperature is reached.
2. Ceiling Fans Add Cool Air to Your Home
Despite what many people believe, ceiling fans have no power to cool the air inside your house. If you leave a fan on while the air conditioner is set at a low temperature, you may incur higher energy bills. That’s why it’s important to realize that ceiling fans can only circulate the air that’s in the room. They won’t lower the room’s temperature, but they’ll keep you cool even if you crank up the thermostat.
3. Getting a Bigger AC Unit Is Better
A bigger air conditioner might seem like the best option for cooling your home quickly, but you should exercise caution. Our advice is to choose a unit that fits your home. An oversized air conditioner won’t be beneficial to you because it’s more prone to cause AC troubles. Common problems to expect include irregular cooling cycles, higher energy bills and frequent malfunctions.
4. Closing Vents Can Help
Many people believe that closing vents in unoccupied rooms will help save energy. However, you should keep all the vents open in your home to prevent AC problems. Closed vents can restrict airflow and cause a lot of damage to your system over time. The trapped air will create pressure inside the air ducts. If nothing is done to correct the problem, leaks can develop in the air ducts. Additionally, the system can overheat. Such issues can seriously affect the system’s performance.
5. Placing the Thermostat Anywhere Is OK
Where you place the thermostat is more important than you may realize. How can the thermostat accurately determine the indoor temperature if it’s too close to a drafty window or an open AC register? You’re going to struggle with establishing a pleasant climate because the thermostat will give you false readings. That’s why you want to make sure your thermostat is located near the room where you spend most of your time. You must choose an interior wall that’s away from direct sunlight, doors and windows.
6. Cleaning the Unit Is Optional
The evaporator coil, the fins and the condenser play a major part in the cooling process. If these key components become clogged, AC breakdowns are inevitable. Keep this in mind so that you can remember to schedule regular AC tune-ups.
7. Keeping an Old Air Conditioner Is Worthwhile
A new AC unit is a big investment, but don’t let the initial cost discourage you from upgrading. You’ll benefit from getting rid of an old air conditioner that needs frequent repairs. Therefore, you should start searching for a replacement system when your current unit is older than 10 years.
8. Turning Off the Unit Helps When You’re Away
You’ll open the door to more AC problems if you turn off the air conditioner before you leave the house. While the unit isn’t running, the indoor temperature will surely reach an uncomfortable point. To make your home feel comfortable again, you’ll be tempted to crank up the thermostat more than usual. This will force the air conditioner to work harder than normal, so it’s going to suffer increased wear and tear.
9. Neglecting the Air Filter Doesn’t Matter
A clogged air filter will make matters worse by sending more pollutants into the indoor atmosphere. Whether you have allergies or not, you should get the filter replaced at regular intervals. If you heed this tip, your system will circulate cleaner and healthier air.
Look no further than Northwest HVAC Heating & Cooling to get professional assistance with your air conditioner. Since 1997, our NATE-certified technicians have served the awesome communities in Vancouver. Count on us to fulfill all your heating and cooling needs. We’ll use our expertise to tackle every repair, installation and tune-up. Call our customer-oriented company today to get the details you want.
