Six Faulty Misconceptions Homeowners Sometimes Have About Their Air Conditioner
Believing in common misconceptions about air conditioner usage and maintenance could cause you to lose money on utility bills and repair costs. Unfortunately, there are a lot of air conditioning system misconceptions out there that are widely believed. The following are six faulty misconceptions homeowners sometimes have about their air conditioner that you should be aware of.
A bigger AC unit will provide more effective cooling for a home.
In order to function as effectively as possible, an AC unit should be properly sized for the home in question. You need to figure out the cubic feet you need your AC unit to cool. Then, you need to find an AC unit that is appropriate for your home's size.
If you make the assumption that a larger unit will be more effective, you're probably going to end up paying more than you need to in utility costs for powering your air conditioner.
Homeowners should keep an AC unit for as long as it's running to minimize costs.
An old air conditioner that needs to be replaced is not going to run as efficiently and as effectively as a new unit. This means that it's best to replace an older unit well before it breaks down if you want to stay comfortable in your home and save money on utilities.
Homeowners should turn their AC unit off when they're not around.
While it's a good idea to increase the thermostat temperature a little bit when you go out, it's not a good idea to completely shut your air conditioning system off.
Your air conditioner has to consume the most energy when it's completely cooling down your interior temperatures from outdoor temperatures. You want to avoid having to put your air conditioner through a complete cool down every time you return home by simply turning up the thermostat a little rather than turning the system off.
Turning the thermostat down super low will offer faster cooling.
If you turn your thermostat down very low, it won't cool your home down any cooler than it would if you set your thermostat to your desired temperature.
It doesn't matter where the thermostat of an AC system is located.
Locating a thermostat in an area that isn't exposed to drafts or direct sunlight will ensure better accuracy and help to reduce the energy consumption of your AC system.
It's necessary to refill an AC unit's refrigerant regularly.
You shouldn't be needing to refill refrigerant regularly. When refrigerant levels get low, it indicates a leak and a malfunction that needs to be repaired promptly to ensure proper functioning.
For additional information, talk to your local air conditioning contractor.