It’s the dead of the Utah summer, and home and building owners throughout the state require quality cooling solutions this time of year. There are several themes homeowners can pursue when it comes to ensuring air conditioner and HVAC quality during the summer, but also a number of myths out there regarding some of these themes – including several that not only won’t help, but also might even hurt your system in the short- and long-term.
At Airtime Heating & Cooling, we’re happy to provide a wide range of AC services, from precision tune-ups to air conditioner repair and replacement. In this two-part blog series, we’ll go over a number of these air conditioner misconceptions and set the record straight so you know the proper information on several areas of AC upkeep and operation this summer.
For those looking to cool their home or a given space as quickly as possible, there’s a tendency to try and turn the AC down as low as possible to speed this process up. However, you should know that this method doesn’t actually work – and actually might hurt your system.
The HVAC system can only blow so much air at once, and this doesn’t change even if you drop the temperature even further. Forcing it to an even lower number might cause it to work harder just to achieve the same level of cooling, and will not speed things up at all.
We’re all looking for ways to save on HVAC costs, but anyone who tells you that running your AC constantly will help in this realm doesn’t know what they’re talking about. The thought here appears to be that constant running saves the energy of turning the system on and off regularly – but this is a misconception, and the opposite is true. Allowing the system to turn on and off as needed is a big part of what keeps its operational strain low, limiting your energy bill.
For those designing a new home or replacing their thermostat in an existing one, you may not think the placement of this item matters all that much. In reality, though, it does: If it’s placed too close to vents or other cooling areas it may think the home is cooler than it really is, or the opposite effect could take place if the thermostat is in a sun spot, near the oven or in another area that’s hotter than the rest of the home. The thermostat should be located in a neutral area that represents as close as possible to average home temperature.
For more on debunking common myths regarding your air conditioner, or to learn about any of our heating and air services, speak to the staff at Airtime Heating & Cooling today.
