With over 30 years in the HVAC industry, we have heard of many misconceptions about air condition systems. With summer approaching, we want to set things straight for homeowners. Here are the top five common myths about air conditioning that we break down.
1. Bigger Is Better
Bigger is not always better when it comes to air conditioning systems. An overside AC system can result in shorter cycles, making it harder to cool the house and remove humidity from the air. It is important to find a unit that best fits your home.
In addition, you will have a higher electricity bill because the AC system is constantly powering up and down in short cycles. Don’t make the mistake of purchasing the wrong air conditioning size. The professionals at Kingston Home Heating and Air can help you choose the best AC unit for your home.
2. Closing Off Vents Not In Use
If you are not using a room in your home, it doesn’t need air conditioning, right? Wrong! Even if a room is not used often, you still need to allow the air conditioning to flow into it.
When you close off vents, you can affect the air distribution of your AC unit. Your unit will still blow the same amount of air no matter if the vents are closed or not. When the vents are closed, all you are doing is cooling your air ducts.
3. Save Money By Turning the AC Off When You’re Not Home
One of the most common myths is that you can save money by shutting off your AC when you are not home. Then, when you return, you can turn it down low, and it will cool the space fast. This method causes your AC unit to work harder to keep your house cool.
Using a programmable thermostat can help you save money and energy. You can set the thermostat to a higher temp when you are not home and then allow it to start cooling before you return. It gives your unit a break without making it work extra hard to cool down a warm house.
According to Natural Resources of Canada, the ideal temp is around 25.5 degrees Celsius. If you are going to be away from home for the day, raise the thermostat to about 28 degrees Celsius.
4. Regular Maintenance Is a Waste of Money
It may seem like an unnecessary expense to get maintenance service, but it is key to extending the life of your AC unit. It also helps save you money in the long run. Professionals can identify issues you may miss, saving you from emergency repairs during a heatwave in the middle of the summer.
5. Replacing AC Unit Until It Stops Working
The cost of replacing your AC unit can be expensive. Do not let this scare you into not replacing your old AC unit, though. Old and outdated air conditioning units do not perform well and use more energy in the long run.
Even replacing a 10-year-old unit can save 30-40% on energy usage, according to Natural Resources of Canada. It will allow your home to cool more quickly while using less energy. It will also save you money over time on energy bills!
Common Myths Debunked!
We hoped this helped clear the air about common myths about air conditioning. If you need a new air conditioner unit in the Kingston area, we can help! Contact Kingston Home Heating and Air Conditioning for service, maintenance, or installation. We have been in business since 1990.