The seasons are changing, at last! The temperatures are getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and your air conditioner will be turned on for the first time in 2022. It’s an exciting time! But there are a lot of things to be aware of when it comes to your air conditioner. It’s a very complex part of your home, and a staple in your home comfort through the summer months. So, what should you really be aware of when it comes to your AC this season? We’re here to separate the facts from the fiction and bust 5 Myths About Your Air Conditioner That You Need To STOP Believing!
Myth 1. Cool your home faster by turning your thermostat way down.
This common mistake comes from the old days when many homeowners didn’t know how their AC systems worked. People frequently turned their thermostats really low, thinking the AC would cool the house faster. It doesn’t. Cooling rooms in your home, in general, will always take time. Even if you set the thermostat at the lowest possible setting, your AC will continue to run at the same pace.
Instead of cranking your thermostat to a lower temperature, adjust your thermostat temperature according to your habits, your preferences and the temperature outside. Your AC is going to work just as hard to lower the temperature one degree as it does to lower it by 20. It’s just a matter of time and the settings you’ve chosen. So program your thermostat to exactly where you want it, not lower than you need it.
Myth 2. Air filters don’t need to be replaced for a year.
This is a big no-no. Avoiding changing your air filters on your AC unit can end up costing you money in more ways than you may think! The air filters on your unit accumulate mold, dust and dirt. All of which can cause poor airflow and will, in turn, force your air conditioner to work harder. It can result in a higher utility bill!
Change your air filters according to your manufacturer’s recommendations, and when your regular maintenance is due. Not only does this help save a few bucks on your electricity and utility bills, it also ensures that the air quality in your home is clean. A dirty filter acts as a reservoir for dirt, dust and other airborne contaminants that will be continuously circulated back into your breathing air. Yuck!
Myth 3. Close the vents in unused rooms.
If we can be frank, doing this doesn’t save energy. But it does apply to both your air conditioning unit AND your furnace! The way a residential heating and cooling system is designed, the blower motor moves a certain amount of air no matter which vents are opened or closed. Closing the vents in unused spaces may reduce the total air moved by the blower, which reduces its efficiency. It can also cause pressure build-up in your ducts, which leads to your air conditioning unit working much harder.
The best course of action for even air distribution in your home is to simply leave your air vents open! By keeping your vents open you’re reducing pressure buildup in your ducts, heat buildup and an imbalance of air circulation within your home.
Myth 4. The bigger the unit, the better!
WRONG! Air conditioning units are carefully sized to the number of cubic feet they need to cool. This is particularly important when purchasing a new air conditioning unit, or when renovating your house. If an air conditioner is rated for a smaller space than what you have, it will work twice as hard to cool the air. Meaning it will wear out more quickly, and struggle to meet the demands of the thermostat. On the flip side, if the air conditioner is rated for a larger space than what you have, the compressor within the unit will constantly be turning itself on and off in quick intervals, which will lead to it wearing out faster and using more electricity than necessary.
By paying attention to the capacity of an air conditioning unit, you can ensure that the right-sized air conditioner is installed into your home, and can cool your space efficiently and effectively! (we can help you with this.)
Myth 5. Turning off your AC when you’re not home saves energy.
This is a very common myth that everyone needs to know about. If you decide to shut down your air conditioner before going to work, or leaving home for a few days, then turn it on when you get back home, your unit has to work much harder to cool your home, which then leads to a higher utility bill.
Instead, we suggest setting your thermostat to be several degrees warmer, rather than off when you’re away from home. This way, your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to cool and can maintain proper humidity levels so your home is still comfortable when you return.
Although these are not ALL of the air conditioning myths out there, these are some of the most common ones that are asked! Misinformation is the enemy of good decisions. So, when it comes time to make your next HVAC investment, you’re going to have plenty of questions.
This is why it’s important to sit down with trusted professionals in the HVAC industry to help resolve any questions or concerns you may have. Work together to make the best decision for you, your home and your family. If you have questions or concerns regarding the HVAC system in your home, get in touch with us at igniteheating.ca or give us a call today at 780-919-4916.