Has your mom or grandma ever told you not to venture outside with wet hair or you’ll catch a cold? How about the one about not going swimming for at least an hour after you eat? And let’s not forget the ever-popular “shaving your hair makes it grow back thicker”.
What do all of these have in common? They’ve been passed around for so long that many take them as hard and fast truths, when in reality, they are purely myths. And believe it or not, there are plenty of them about the use of air conditioning. Here are 7 AC myths to stop believing (and spreading) right now.
- Using your AC will give you a cold. The only thing that can give you a cold is contracting a cold virus. In fact, a properly functioning AC with a clean filter helps make your indoor air cleaner by trapping dust and allergens, thereby helping to reduce cold, allergy, and asthma symptoms.
- There’s no need to clean coils and fins. Condenser coils absorb heat from inside the home whereas evaporator coils and fins allow heat to pass from the refrigerant in the system into the air. And if they are covered in layers or dirt, dust, and grime, they’re decreasing efficiency and costing you money. They should be cleaned at the beginning of the warm season and checked from time to time, especially after storms or high winds.
- Turning the thermostat down cools your home faster. An AC system works just as hard to lower the temperature by 5 degrees as it does 15, so turning it down to 60 degrees when you really want 68 won’t get it there any faster. Program your thermostat to exactly where you want it, but not lower than you need.
- A bigger unit will cool your home better. Bigger isn’t always better, especially when it comes to your central air system. AC units are sized to the amount of cubic feet they need to cool. But it doesn’t stop there. Factors such as home layout, insulation, age and condition of windows, ceiling height, and more are taken into consideration when sizing an AC system. And a properly sized one will keep your home comfortable without wasted energy and excess wear and tear on parts and components.
- Keep your AC system until it quits. You might be tempted to get every last bit of juice from your current system, but an aging AC unit loses its ability to cool your home properly and efficiently, needs more repairs, and costs more trouble and money than it’s worth. If your unit is approaching the 10 year mark, it’s a good idea to start budgeting for and considering a replacement.
- Close the vents in unoccupied rooms. The air handler is designed to move a certain amount of conditioned air through your home regardless of how many vents are open or closed. Closing vents in empty rooms may reduce the amount of air moved, thereby reducing the system’s efficiency.
- Your AC system doesn’t need annual maintenance. Just like your car needs regular maintenance for optimal and safe performance, so does your central air system. Forgoing this important task can put you at risk for more frequent and costly repairs, inefficient operation, higher cooling costs, and premature system failure.
Has it been a year or longer since your AC system was last inspected and tuned up? Contact Zach Heating & Cooling today and we’ll make sure your AC is ready to provide you with the cooling comfort you depend on all summer long.