9 Air Conditioner Myths That Are Costing You Big Time: Debunked!

You Don’t Have to Clean Fins and Coils

Air conditioning evaporator
coils and fins
Let heat transfer from the refrigerant within the system into the surrounding air, similar to how condenser coils capture warmth indoors. This crucial process of transferring heat might be hindered by accumulations of dirt and debris.

If you never
check on your coils
That dirt is costing you money and reducing efficiency. Clean your air conditioner at the start of the warm season and inspect it periodically, particularly following storms or strong winds, to ensure your coils and fins remain unobstructed.

Reduce Your Thermostat for Faster Chill

This frequent error originates from earlier times when numerous individuals did so.
homeowners
weren’t aware of how their air conditioning units functioned. Often, people would set their thermostats extremely low, believing that doing so would make the space cooler quicker. This approach does not work as they expect.

The air conditioner exerts equal effort whether reducing the temperature by one degree or twenty degrees; it simply depends on the duration and the set points you select. Hence, configure your thermostat precisely to your desired setting rather than below what you actually require. As long as you’re adjusting your thermostat, find out if it makes sense to
keep the air conditioning running throughout the day
.

The Larger the Group, the More Effective

Air conditioning units are precisely matched to the volume of cubic feet they must cool. This consideration is crucial especially during the acquisition of a new AC system or renovation projects. Should an AC unit be specified for a smaller area compared to what you require, it will operate excessively hard to reduce the temperature, leading to faster deterioration and difficulty satisfying the settings set by the thermostat.

If the air conditioning system is designed for a bigger area than what you actually have, it will frequently switch on and off, causing excessive wear and tear which can lead to decreased reliability over time. Make sure to consider the cooling capacity and choose an appropriate unit suited for your specific space size.

It’s Better to Keep an Air Conditioner Running Till It Fails

The first expense associated with replacing your
AC unit
is high, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid a new purchase. Don’t make the mistake of keeping your old air conditioner long than you should. An old air conditioner will perform poorly, cost you more money in repairs and eventually become more trouble than it’s worth.

If your air conditioning system is 10 to 12 years old or older, upgrading to a new, more efficient model will help you save money and reduce hassle in the long run.

Shut the vents in rooms you aren’t using.

Typically, this approach doesn’t conserve energy. In most home HVAC systems, the air handler (or fan) circulates a fixed volume of air regardless of whether some vents are shut off. By closing dampers, you might lessen the overall airflow managed by the blower, thereby decreasing its operational efficiency.

Your AC Unit Is Set for Summer Without Any Preparation

Really? Before the intensely hot weather sets in, ensure your
air conditioner
is prepared to start working. You might have to remove dirt and debris, inspect the coolant level, and replace the
fan filter.

Your Air Conditioner Might Make You Feel Chilly

Colds are caused by viruses, not low temperatures. If you simply dislike the sensation of air conditioning?

Keeping the Thermostat at a Constant Level Throughout the Day Will Cut Costs

By adjusting your cooling system to be four to six degrees warmer during times when you’re away from home or on vacation—typically resulting in a reduction of your energy bill by five to twenty percent—and then having it automatically lower back down to 78 degrees upon your return, you can achieve significant savings.

Fans Will Bring You Relief

Ceiling fans help reduce your expenses by maintaining comfort even when thermostats are set higher. For every degree above 78 degrees Fahrenheit, you can cut your cooling bills by 5% to 10%. Additionally, the airflow generated by these fans boosts evaporative cooling from your skin, thus helping to keep you cooler.

Is your air conditioner not working properly?
Below are 12 items to verify before reaching out to an HVAC technician.