Common AC Myths to Avoid During Cooling Season, Part 1

We’re entering the hottest parts of the Utah summer in the upcoming months, and we’ve firmly entered cooling season for home and business owners throughout the state. Those who have not already done so should be preparing their HVAC and air conditioner systems for this reality, from basic upkeep and maintenance to an understanding of how the system best operates during these high-stress months.

At My Buddy Heating and Air, we’re here to help with a variety of such areas, from air conditioner repair and replacement to central air installation and also a variety of expertise areas. We’re also here to debunk several silly myths that have arisen over the years regarding your home’s cooling and AC system – this two-part blog will evaluate some of the most common such misconceptions, ensuring you have the proper information heading into the heaviest part of your cooling season.

Lower Temp Means Faster Cooling

If for whatever reason the speed of cooling in your home is a major issue to you, you might assume that lowering the thermostat to the coldest possible temperature will increase the pace at which the system cools. This is not true, however.

Rather, the HVAC system is only equipped to blow so much air at once, no matter how low you set its temperature. This means that if you have significant spaces in the home or building that are much warmer than your desired temperature, it’s simply going to take some time to cool them all down completely. Your best tactics for improving this pace are not to turn the temperature down further – they’re to clear your air filters and ensure the system is well-tuned by professionals so air moves throughout the home as quickly as possible.

Cycling On/Off Wastes Money

Another common misconception revolves around the idea that instead of turning the AC system on and off based on cooling needs (or allowing the system to automatically detect temperature and perform these cycles itself, which is more common today) wastes more energy than simply leaving it on all the time. We’re not sure where this came from, but it’s flat wrong – in fact, the polar opposite is true, and a system that’s able to shut itself off in between cooling cycles will save you major sums over time. This is especially true if you have a programmable thermostat you set to a much higher temperature during work hours or other periods while no one is home.

Maintenance is Optional

Some assume that the only reason they should invest in their AC or HVAC system is for a required repair or component replacement, but this is a harmful myth that will cost you serious money over the years. In fact, regular maintenance and upkeep is vital for optimal HVAC performance, often preventing the issues that eventually lead to expensive repairs or replacements before they become serious.

For more on debunking common AC or HVAC myths, or to learn about any of our heating and air services, speak to the staff at My Buddy Heating and Air today.