Nowadays, myths and misconceptions surrounding home air conditioning systems abound, and while some are harmless, others can actually impact your unit's performance and make your home's indoor environment less comfortable. Since 1979, Spoor's Heating & Air Conditioning has provided professional AC services to homes and businesses throughout Auburn, CA, and the surrounding areas! Below, we bust six common air conditioning myths that could be harming your home cooling system.
Is your air conditioning not working properly? Contact our HVAC repair company today to schedule service!
Myth #1: Setting The Thermostat Super Low Cools Your Home Faster
One of the most common misconceptions surrounding air conditioning is that setting your thermostat super low helps cool your home faster. However, the reality is that air conditioners cool at a steady rate, no matter how low the temperature is set. In fact, turning it way down past your desired temperature will only force your system to run for longer, wasting energy and money. Instead, you should simply set your thermostat to the desired temperature and let it steadily cool your home. For improved system efficiency and added convenience, consider upgrading to a smart or programmable thermostat that can adjust the temperature based on your schedule!
Myth #2: The Bigger The Unit, The Better It Cools
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that, when it comes to an air conditioner's size, a bigger unit means better cooling. However, units that are too large for the space they're cooling can actually do more harm than good. An oversized air conditioning unit may suffer from short-cycling, an issue that causes the system to turn on and off too frequently. A short-cycling unit ultimately means reduced efficiency, increased wear and tear, and a less comfortable indoor environment. Additionally, oversized units are worse at controlling humidity and can leave your home feeling cold and clammy. Think your air conditioning unit might be oversized for your home? Our team specializes in air conditioner installations and can replace your unit with an appropriately-sized one!
Myth #3: You Should Turn Your AC Off When Nobody's Home
To many people, shutting off your air conditioning while you're not home seems like an easy, commonsense way to save energy. Unfortunately, doing so often has the opposite effect. This is because, when you return home and turn the air conditioning back on, the system has to work overtime to bring the temperature all the way back down and remove indoor humidity, ultimately increasing your energy usage. Instead of shutting off your air conditioning whenever you leave, just raise the temperature by a few degrees. That way, your system won't run while you're away, and it won't have to work hard to lower the temperature back to normal when you return.
Myth #4: Closing Vents In Unused Rooms Saves You Money
While closing your vents might seem like a good way to redirect cool air to the rooms you use most, doing so can actually cause problems by increasing the pressure inside your ductwork. That added pressure can cause air leaks, impact proper airflow, reduce energy efficiency, and even damage your system over time. Because of this, rather than closing specific vents, our AC repair technicians recommend leaving all vents and registers open and unobstructed to allow for balanced airflow.
Myth #5: You Don't Need To Replace Air Filters If You Vacuum Regularly
At some point, you may have heard someone say something along the lines of, "I vacuum my house regularly, so I don't need to replace my AC's air filters." Of course, this is nothing more than a myth. Vacuuming regularly is a great way to help maintain good indoor air quality, but it's not a substitute for replacing your system's air filters. Your AC's air filters are responsible for capturing many of the air pollutants that your vacuum can't entirely remove, such as pet dander, pollen, dust, and other microscopic particles. To maintain healthy indoor air quality and ensure your system is running efficiently, it's essential for homeowners to swap out their air filters every 30-90 days.
Myth #6: Regular Maintenance Isn't Necessary
One of the most harmful myths surrounding HVAC systems is that your unit can continue to run fine without regular maintenance conducted by a professional HVAC technician. Skipping HVAC maintenance will only shorten your system's lifespan and reduce efficiency. Worn parts, dirty components, and loose connections are all common HVAC issues that can go unnoticed until they cause bigger, more expensive problems — but during a routine maintenance visit, a technician will be able to identify and address these issues early, saving you time and money. Our planned HVAC maintenance program, the Home Comfort Club, is designed to keep your system running smoothly and prevent unexpected breakdowns!
Call Spoor's For AC Repairs In Auburn, CA!
Don't let harmful myths prevent your AC from operating at peak efficiency. If your air conditioning system isn't cooling your home properly, call the experienced team at Spoor's Heating & Air Conditioning. Our heating and cooling company provides fast and reliable AC repair service to help get your system back up and running in no time! Contact us today to schedule HVAC services!