Each AC has its own lifetime and should serve you as best as possible. When purchasing this unit, you can ask experts for guidance on choosing the right air conditioning for your needs. In addition to the unit quality, it’s also important to adhere to certain guidelines to ensure optimal work during its lifetime.
After the unit installation (check this website to ensure its properly sized), many forget to go through the manual and get to the heart of their aircons. Also, many theories are spreading around about how to use these devices properly, but most are far from the truth. If you trust them blindly, you can significantly shorten the lifetime of your AC.
Common Air Conditioning Myths Debunked: What You Need to Know
Your AC should maintain a comfortable environment by using an optimal amount of energy. Although there are many helpful tips on how to run your aircon efficiently, you can always find hints from untrusted sources that are nothing more than myths. Many of them have proven to be just word of mouth, and here are the most common ones.
Myth 1: Lower Temperature Setting Cools Down the Room Faster
By simple logic, one could conclude that this statement is true. If you set the thermostat to a much lower temperature than the outside temperature, non-experts claim that you can cool the room faster. And while that’s possible if you have an old-fashioned AC model with low/medium/high settings, it’s not doable with units with thermostats.
Simply put, ACs run at a consistent rate until it reaches the set temperature. It holds its steady pace all the time. So, if you set the thermostat too low, the unit will work longer and at a higher capacity to reach the set temperature. Not only will it not cool the room faster, but it will affect the increased energy consumption and higher energy bills.
Myth 2: Running AC 24/7 Is More Cost-Efficient Than Turning It On and Off
This statement implies the savings you can achieve by leaving your AC on all the time. There’s not much logic in how that brings savings because running 24/7 means this unit uses energy through all tariffs. It means continual consumption and energy costs increase.
On the other hand, you can achieve greater savings when you turn the AC off and on as needed. But the condition is that the room is well insulated, and the openings (doors and windows) well-sealed so that the cold air stays inside. Thus, your house remains cool even when the AC is off. Also, when you turn it on later, it will need less power and capacity to reach the optimal temperature.
Tips on house insulation for better cooling are listed below:
https://fantastichandyman.com.au/blog/types-of-insulation-whats-best-for-your-home/
Myth 3: Lack of Maintenance Has No Consequences
A quality AC unit should last many years, but that won’t happen by chance. And while some brands are known for long-lasting and not too perishable aircons that can run smoothly for quite a long time, all ACs require at least minimal maintenance.
Lack of maintenance can leave consequences on your aircon and shorten its life. Regular servicing is necessary to prevent common failures and bugs, and timely fixes will prevent more complex issues and high repair or replacement costs. If you don’t do this, the efficiency of your AC will drop over time, meaning you have to buy a new air conditioner sooner or later, which isn’t a cheap investment.
Many leave annual AC servicing out of their budget, thinking they will achieve some savings that way. Waiving this fee can often be a disservice because omitting regular filter replacement, ductwork cleaning, and refrigerant checking can lead to more serious problems.
Myth 4: AC Position Doesn’t Matter
If you look at different buildings, you’ll notice that the position of the AC’s outdoor unit differs. Also, the indoor unit placement isn’t always the same because each room has a different microclimate and different factors that dominate it. For example, some premises are sunnier, while others are in the shade most of the day.
The best position for an outdoor unit is in a well-ventilated area, preferably on a flat surface or a stable platform. It’s best to keep it away from windows, doors, or areas where noise could also be a concern. Make sure there are no surrounding obstacles that can hinder proper airflow and maintenance access.
As for the indoor unit, it should sit at a suitable height on a sturdy wall or ceiling, away from furniture and curtains, to ensure proper airflow and distribution. Make sure it’s away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or other obstacles that force it to work “overtime.”
The thermostat position matters, too. Many people ignore this, but the location of this heat-sensitive device significantly affects its performance. Its placement should be as neutral as possible, not affected by the heat (which often happens when it’s in the kitchen or bathroom), direct sunlight exposure, and similar. If that had happened, the AC would run short and long cycles all the time, thus increasing energy use and, eventually, your bills.
Myth 5: Bigger is Better
In the case of AC devices, this claim isn’t exactly the truth. The unit size doesn’t always matter, as you have to reconsider the cooling capacity required for the room you want to cool. An oversized unit can lead to short cycling, where it turns on and off all the time, thus affecting the unit’s efficiency, higher energy consumption, and faster wear and tear. On this link, find out how to find a properly sized AC for your room.
Asking an Aircon Expert
With all those myths which may mislead you, it’s always best to consult with HVAC professionals or trusted sources for accurate information about air conditioning. Only that way can you ensure optimal unit efficiency and performance.
The sweltering summer months would certainly be unbearable if your AC wasn’t working. This device keeps your home cool, and it’s up to you to find the optimal settings and ensure pleasant conditions in just a few clicks. And whenever you run onto some unverified advice, always double-check whether it’s true or false.