Common Myths About Air Conditioning Systems Debunked

Your Bay Area home's air conditioning system is probably one of the most essential amenities, especially if you live in warmer climes. There are so many components in your AC system that require routine inspection and go through normal wear and tear. If left unchecked, these seemingly small concerns can cause lasting damage to the HVAC system and discomfort to the home occupants. Therefore, you should take a few minutes to understand how an AC works and stay clear of some of the common myths about air conditioning systems you may have heard over the years.

Myth 1: You Need Not Clean Coils and Fins

Your AC system works as a heat pump, moving heat from inside your house to the outside. The coils and fins collect the heat from inside your home and transfer it to the outside air passing through the evaporator. But when those coils and fins are clogged with dust and dirt, the entire system struggles to work efficiently. This wastes energy in your home because your utility bills won't accurately reflect how much energy you're using. You can avoid this by keeping your evaporator coils clean.

Myth 2: Filter Maintenance is Unnecessary

Filters are one of the most critical yet often overlooked components of your HVAC system. A clean filter is one of the easiest things you can have to help your air conditioner run more efficiently. Your AC will become ineffective or break down if you fail to replace or clean the filter at least once every three months. If your system is used regularly within a home or business, make sure the filter is changed at least once per month. Dirty filters restrict airflow, resulting in higher energy costs. The increased air pressure can also cause your evaporator coils to freeze.

Myth 3: Non- Programmable Thermostat Costs Less

Programmable thermostats allow you to save money by automatically regulating your HVAC system. They are designed to efficiently regulate both temperature and humidity levels in your home, allowing you to enjoy maximum comfort without manually adjusting the temperature. Besides, these thermostats connect to your HVAC system and your Wi-Fi network, so you can easily control the temperature remotely and adapt it in real time without leaving your couch or bed. These smart thermostats are an effective way to slash your energy bills while improving home comfort.

Myth 4: Lower the Temperature for Faster Cooling

Nearly everyone at one time or the other has probably wished that they could have instant cooling in their house. Once indoors and with the air conditioning on, most people tend to set their thermostats as low as they can. This happens because people think this will make the blower function harder and faster, which will cool the house quickly.Unfortunately, this is not how it works. When an AC unit reaches its set-point temperature, it has to turn on a heat exchanger and pump hot air from outside the room into the HVAC system so that it can go through a cooling process to reach your desired temperature. The opposite effect happens when you set your AC unit below your desired temperature. Since your air conditioner has more cold air than hot air, it has to put cold air in before bringing the room up to your desired level. 

Wrap Up

Now that we've covered some of the misconceptions about air conditioning, you'll be able to make more educated decisions about your air conditioner repair and maintenance. Avoid future issues by paying closer attention to your heating and cooling systems and scheduling regular maintenance appointments with a local HVAC specialist.