Top 5 Myths About Your AC Unit Debunked

Understanding the Truth About AC Maintenance

When it comes to maintaining your air conditioning unit, there are many myths and misconceptions that can lead to improper care and reduced efficiency. In this article, we will debunk the top five myths about your AC unit to ensure you have the correct information. 

Myth 1: Bigger AC Units Are Always Better

Many people believe that a bigger air conditioning unit will provide better cooling. However, this is not always the case. An oversized AC unit can cause more harm than good, leading to increased energy consumption, short cycling, and high humidity in your home. While the thought of shorter on cycles sounds good to begin with, it will cause higher utilitie bills, increased wear on your system, and a less comfortable enviroment in your home.

A properly sized system will have a long enough run time to properly dehumidify and circulating air on days that tempetures are mild but also be able to maintain a comfortable tempeture on the hottest day of the year. It's essential to have a contractor perform a Manual J heat load calculation on your home before replacing your air conditioning system to verify that it's sized appropriatley.

Myth 2: You Only Need to Change the Filter Once a Year

Another common misconception is that AC filters only need changing annually. In reality, filters should be checked monthly and changed every one to three months, depending on usage and the type of filter.

Regular filter replacement is crucial for maintaining air quality and ensuring the system runs efficiently. 1" air filters should be changed every 30 days. 2" pleated air filters can last up to 45 days are still recommended to be replaced after 30 days to maintain proper air flow. 4" and 5" media filters will last up to 90 days. These filters last longer and cause less air flow restriction due to the increased surface area.

Even when your filter doesn't look too dirty, it often already is. You can hold a new air filter next to your current filter and when you see a difference color that means its time to install a clean air filter. Remember, the air circulating through your system still has to pass over the air filter. If you have alergies, changing your air filter more often will greatly reduce your symtoms.

When air filters get too dirty, starts to pass around the filter and begins to collect inside your furnace and evaporator coil or air handling unit. The blower motor that moves air throughout your entire home will quickly start running hot when dust starts to choke the motor, move less air when the wheel collects dust, and your evaporator coil loses its ability to transfer heat out of the air passing across it. At this point, you'll be causing stress on your compressor outside as due reduced suction pressure and high compression ration.

Myth 3: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy

Many people believe that closing vents in unused rooms will conserve energy. However, this practice can result in pressure imbalances within the ductwork, leading to decreased efficiency and potential damage to the system. If you decrease the air flow throughout your system too much, youll actually make your tempeture imbalance worse and cause undue stress on your indoor blower motor and outdoor compressor.

Instead of closing vents, consider contacting a contractor to inspect your ductwork, check air flow, and measure static pressure. A well qualified mechanical contractor will quickly diagnose the airflow issue and offer a solution that not only fixes your airflow and tempeture imbalance issues, it will extrended the life of your entire HVAC system.

Myth 4: The Thermostat Location Doesn't Matter

The placement of your thermostat is critical for accurate temperature reading and efficient performance. Installing it near heat sources like windows or kitchens can lead to false readings and cause the system to run longer than nessicary, over cooling all other areas in their home or completley failing to turn the system off causing your unit to freeze over.

A well-placed thermostat, will not be installed under or near a supply air duct, away from direct sunlight and other heat-producing appliances. Your thermostat should be installed as close to the return air duct as possible and roughly 5' high on an interior wall to accuratley measure the tempeture of your home.

Myth 5: AC Units Don't Need Regular Maintenance

Some homeowners think that once installed, their AC unit doesn't require regular attention. This belief can lead to costly repairs and reduced lifespan of the unit. With no maintenance after installation, your system will not work correctly and likley only last 6-8 years before major failure occurs. When the indoor and outdoor units aern't able to breathe, they quickly lose their ability to transfer heat. Routine maintenance is vital for keeping your system running smoothly.

Regularly changing your air filter and yearly cleaning of the condensing unit is by far the most important things you can do to keep your system operating correctly and extending the lifespan of your air conditiong system. Scheduling regular check-ups with a professional technician can help identify potential issues before they become major problems.

By debunking these common myths, you can make informed decisions about your air conditioning system. Proper care and maintenance not only enhance comfort but also improve energy efficiency and longevity of your AC unit.