Debunking Popular Air Conditioner Misconceptions

There are many Air Conditioner Misconceptions. A lot of misinformation is circulating, especially about appliances like your A/C unit. While many people own an air conditioner, not everyone is well-versed in how they operate and how important AC maintenance is. As the trusted air conditioning professionals in Glendale, we aim to debunk these Air Conditioner misconceptions.

1. It’s impossible to extend the lifespan of your A/C unit

Many homeowners, renters, and landlords, tend to neglect the importance of proactive AC maintenance. They simply assume that it will function for a few years, require occasional repairs, and eventually stop working completely. Although there is some truth to this belief, as all air conditioners will eventually need replacement, you have the power to significantly extend the lifespan of your unit. By regularly changing the filters and scheduling regular AC tune-ups, you can save money in the long term by ensuring your unit lasts longer.

2. Go for the largest air conditioner you can find

Arizona gets extremely hot in the summer. Many believe that a bigger air conditioner can help combat the heat, but that’s not the case. Larger units consume more energy, leading to higher bills, and your ductwork can only accommodate a certain amount of air. Additionally, your air conditioner controls the humidity levels in your house, so reducing cycle times may not be beneficial. It’s crucial to find an A/C unit that is the right size to effectively cool your home without being oversized. Contact us today to assist you in selecting the appropriate size.

3. Closing vents in unoccupied rooms can enhance efficiency

Regrettably, this method doesn’t quite replicate the benefits of zoned heating and cooling. Unless your system is specifically designed with multiple zones, it is meant to regulate the temperature throughout the entire house. Shutting off certain vents will only result in cold air being trapped in the ductwork, while your system continues to work just as hard to produce more cold air for the rooms with open vents. As a consequence, your home will experience uneven temperatures. If you close off too many vents and the ductwork becomes too cold, you might even encounter issues such as a frozen condenser in your air conditioner.

4. Lower the thermostat significantly to help cool down the house quicker

Some may consider lowering their thermostats to a temperature below their target to cool down their homes faster. However, this is not an effective strategy. Your air conditioner will operate at its maximum capacity regardless of the temperature setting, so there is no advantage to setting it lower. You may end up forgetting to adjust it back to the original setting. If your air conditioner is not cooling your home adequately, it may be time for some AC maintenance.

5. Switching off the air conditioning before you leave the house

Numerous air conditioner misconceptions are floating around about this concept. People often claim that turning off the A/C will make it exert more effort when you switch it back on. However, in Arizona during the summer, we don’t advise completely shutting off your air conditioner for a different reason. The actual issue is that if you’re away for an extended period, the temperature inside your home could surpass 100°, which can be detrimental to your food, pets, plants, and belongings. Instead, we suggest increasing the thermostat to a higher setting than usual without turning it off completely (around 80°).

6. The location of your outdoor unit doesn’t make a difference

A reliable HVAC technician should offer advice on the optimal location for your outdoor unit. It’s usually best to place it where it can get some shade, as direct sunlight can cause it to overheat and reduce its efficiency. Ideally, position the unit on the north side of your house. Placing it under a tree can also help provide shade, but remember to keep it clear of any debris.

7. Changing the filter is no biggie

Many homeowners attempt to cut costs by cleaning the filter instead of replacing it with a new one. However, there are certain debris that cannot be removed through cleaning. This stubborn debris in the filter will obstruct the airflow in your unit, resulting in various issues. Your air conditioner’s efficiency will decrease, potentially leading to costly repairs.

8. Air Conditioners Only Cool the Home

Arizona doesn’t usually have to worry much about humidity like other places in the country. But if it’s too low or too high, it can make it tough for your AC to keep your home cool. Your air conditioner plays a role in controlling both the humidity and temperature in your house.

9. The location of the thermostat doesn’t really matter

Some individuals believe that the placement of the thermostat is only important for aesthetic or convenience purposes. However, the location of your thermostat also plays a crucial role due to the presence of a thermometer inside it. This thermometer measures the air temperature and communicates with the HVAC system. Placing the thermostat where it can detect extra heat from sunlight or kitchen appliances may result in your home becoming too cold. Similarly, positioning the thermostat above a vent can lead to uneven cooling and premature shutdown of the air conditioner.

10. AC Maintenance Is a Waste of Money

Some view regular air conditioner tune-ups as just a way for HVAC contractors to earn additional income. However, the reality is that the expense of routine AC maintenance is quite minimal when compared to the potential consequences of neglecting the system. A knowledgeable HVAC contractor can prevent the system from losing efficiency rapidly, ultimately leading to savings on utility costs. Moreover, consistent tune-ups can address issues preemptively rather than letting them escalate into major, costly problems.

Don’t let Air Conditioner Misconceptions cost you money in the long run!

Solving Air Conditioner Misconceptions with Arizona Valley Heating & Cooling

Not sure if what you’re doing is right, or are you hearing Air Conditioner Misconceptions?

Let the pros at Arizona Valley Heating & Cooling assist! We can assess its current condition and guide whether your system needs AC maintenance, AC repairs or complete AC unit replacement. If we discover that your air conditioner is still in good shape and only requires a few fixes to operate efficiently, we’ll take care of those AC repairs for you.