Debunking 7 Common Myths About Air Conditioning

Millions of households across America rely on their air conditioning systems to stay as cool, especially during those sweltering summer months. However, many people believe in strange and flat-out false myths about air conditioners, ranging from the absurd to the downright dangerous.

Bates Air & Heat, a professional heating and air conditioning company in Vero Beach, is here to debunk the seven most common myths about air conditioning. After reading this guide, you'll wonder how you ever believed in these myths to begin with!

1. There's No Need to Clean Your Coils and Fins

Your air conditioning system relies on many different components, like an air filter and a compressor. While most homeowners understand that air conditioners need some kind of regular maintenance, many wrongfully assume that they don't need to clean their units' coils and fins. Even worse, some don't even know what the coils and fins are.

Air conditioning evaporators rely on coils and fins to effectively transfer heat from gaseous refrigerant to the outside air. Over time, these pieces can become dusty and grimy, preventing this heating process from going smoothly. Left unaddressed, filthy coils and fins can even break, costing you a lot of money in repairs.

It's imperative that you take the time for proper air conditioning maintenance, especially once spring and summer come along. If you make sure they stay clear of debris and buildup, your air conditioning unit will be extremely energy efficient.

2. The Bigger the Air Conditioner, The Better

This is one of those myths about air conditioning that's incredibly popular, as many people assume that larger air conditioners are always better. 

While upgrading your home's air conditioning unit to a larger model can make sense in specific situations, larger air conditioners aren't inherently better. In fact, if you choose a unit that's too powerful for your living space, you'll end up increasing your energy consumption, which puts strain on your unit.

Over time, this wear and tear can cause mechanical failures and make your energy bill spike. Even worse, you'll have to spend tons of money on constant repairs, all for a unit that doesn't even work right. That's why you should work with your local HVAC pros to calculate the right size air conditioner for your home.

3. Lower Temperature Settings Cool Rooms More Effectively

This myth has an ever-so-slim grain of truth to it. While it's true that quickly turning down the thermostat will cool your room faster, it's not a sustainable, long-term solution. Rapidly changing your unit's thermostat setting forces it to work extremely hard, which can lead to malfunctions.

Moreover, if you constantly set your temperature settings to the bottom of the barrel, your system will constantly be consuming obscene amounts of energy, shooting your utility bills through the roof. All in all, it's a lot better if you gradually and slowly reduce your home's thermostat settings.

4. Air Conditioning Can Make You Sick

Myths about air conditioning that relate to one's health are especially common and even more important to debunk. Health misinformation has consequences and can keep people from seeking appropriate medical care. That being said: air conditioning systems actually can't make you sick.

Cool temperatures on their own don't cause health issues like pneumonia or colds. If anything, excess humidity and warm temperatures help nasty bacteria and viruses thrive, so using your unit can help prevent issues. Even better, the right air conditioning unit can help you deal with allergies and breathing problems by improving your indoor air quality.

5. You Shouldn't Sleep With the Air Conditioning On

A lot of folks turn their air conditioners off before bed, believing that sleeping with the AC on could make them sick. Despite what many people think, sleeping with the AC on is actually fine for your health.

It's ideal to set your air conditioning unit a few degrees above your average temperature before bed, as it can help you fall asleep and stay warm. In addition, make a point of checking to see if your unit has a specialized sleep function, as you can adjust many modern air conditioners for improved efficiency while you sleep.

6. Closing Vents Saves Energy

It's not uncommon for homeowners to try and close their vents to lower their utility bills. Despite what you might expect, however, closing your home's vents actually increases your total energy consumption! 

This curious phenomenon occurs because, when you close your vents, you restrict your air conditioner's ability to properly distribute air throughout your home. As such, your air conditioner will adjust and start to work even harder to correct this air handling issue, leading to more intensive operation and energy use.

7. Air Conditioners Aren't Safe for Children

Everybody loves their kids and would do anything to keep them safe from harm, but for some people, that means fleeing air conditioners like the plague.

We're here to definitively say, once and for all, that air conditioners are completely okay for small children. Babies and toddlers are actually better off because of air conditioners, as these units can help prevent heat exhaustion, dehydration, and sweating, making their lives much easier.

However, it is important to keep your air conditioners away from your kids so they can't accidentally change the settings or bump into them. If you have small children, consider purchasing a wall-mounted split system, as opposed to a portable or window unit. And, when they're ready to hear it, teach them what you just learned about common myths about air conditioning.

Expert Air Conditioning Services in Vero Beach, FL

You may have heard many myths about air conditioning, but not all of them are true. Our professionals can debunk them and help you keep your property cool.

Bates Air and Heat offers professional air conditioning maintenance and installation services in the Vero Beach area. We're proud to help local homeowners find air conditioners that work for their preferences and budget. Call us at (772)-773-6926 to learn more about what we have to offer.