Air Conditioning Myths

Air Conditioning Myths

Are Some Air Conditioning Myths You Shouldn't Believe

Have you ever noticed how some of the simplest things that please us are often taken for granted but can have a miserable outcome when they are no longer there? Case in point, that cold blast of the air we feel when coming in out of the harsh Arizona sun. Admit it; none of us really even give a thought when our systems are working properly. There is something Pavlovian that takes place when we hear that faint click as the unit turns on and our bodies brace for the first rush of chilled air or the warmth rushing over us in colder months. Like most things stored away in the back of our minds, we can have misconceptions about how things work and what is needed to keep them working properly. The following are some myths and facts about our Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems.

Myth: Air Conditioning Only Cools (or heats) The Air

Fact: The process of air conditioning is not as simple as it seems. It only appears that way because when the unit comes on, we feel the cool air. What is happening is that the refrigerant absorbs heat and moisture from the air. It then returns to the unit, where the excess moisture drains out. The perfect humidity range in our homes is between 30 to 50%. More than that, we run the risk of bad odors and mold development. That air we condition keeps our homes in the right zone by acting as a dehumidifier.

Myth: Air Conditioning Units Are Self-Cleaning

Fact: One of the giveaways to the validity of this claim is the filters that require changing every month. Many of us are guilty of overlooking this task, only to wake up one morning in sweat and find the coils have been frozen over. Coils and fins on outdoor units should be checked as the warmer weather approaches. Blocked and dirty coils strain the unit and drive electric costs up. At Norris Air, We offer ductless ac installation Chandler AZ at an unbeatable price. Our main motive only is customer satisfaction.

Myth: Setting The Thermostat Very Low Will Cool The Place Off Quickly

Fact: Unfortunately, no. Whether you are trying to cool the environment one degree or 10 degrees, the unit will work just as hard. The thermostat’s function is to keep the unit running until the desired temperature is met. Setting it lower will result in the unit running longer and using more energy. If the thermostat has been left on the run setting, it will not shut off, putting more strain on the system, and draining more energy. Our top-notch service of AC replacement Mesa AZ will give you an incredible feeling of having the best comfort and HVAC quality.

Myth: Thermostat Placement Can Be Anywhere

Fact: As with most things, we try and keep things as convenient as possible. In the case of our thermostats, that may not be the best thing to do. Placing it in the wrong spot can have an adverse effect on energy efficiency. It should not be in a place that has furniture directly in front of it. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests placing the thermostat on an interior wall, away from doorways, windows, and direct sunlight. It should be placed in a spot where the natural flow of air, warm-up, and cold down occur.

Myth: The Bigger The System, The Better

Fact: As with most things, we think bigger is always better. That may work for houses, cars, diamonds, and bank accounts, but not HVAC units. A formula is used to figure out the correct unit for the square footage of your structure. While it may seem like a good idea to get a bigger unit than is needed so the place will cool off faster, what you end up with is a unit that turns on and off constantly. This will cause undue wear and tear and lead to a premature breakdown. Along the way, decreasing energy efficiency. Also, because the unit shuts off quickly, it is not running long enough to drop the humidity into the proper zone.

Myth: Closing Vents In Unused Rooms Will Cool The House Faster

Fact: While this sounds good in theory, the proper output of the unit is predicated on a delicate balance of air in and air out. Closing vents upsets that balance. Also, the cold air that stops when it reaches a closed vent is not diverted to other rooms; it just sits in the air duct. 

Fortunately for the residents and business owners in the Mesa area, Norris Air has been in the business of cooling and heating for nearly 50 years. There isn’t too much we haven’t seen and have exposed many more myths than these. For absolute comfort in your home, call the leading company for HVAC contractor Chandler AZ,  installation, repair, and maintenance, Norris Air, and that’s a fact.