Common Air Conditioning Myths You Should Ignore

Ah-choo!

You’re outside, enjoying the Colorado sunshine. Then you head indoors to cool down. Seconds after you walk in, you start sneezing. You must be allergic to air conditioning, right?

Not exactly.

People sneeze when the lining of the nose is irritated. And a sudden blast of cold air can trigger a reaction. You sneeze as your body opens up the airways and adjusts to this new situation.

Chances are you’ve heard this air conditioning myth before. It’s not the only one that circulates regularly. Have you fallen for any of these?

Bigger is better

When it’s time to install a new air conditioner, it’s easy to be wow’d by today’s technology. So many of them claim high efficiency and better cooling. How do you know what to choose? Too large and it will quick cycle as it blasts too much air before completing the cycle. Too small and it will never properly condition the air, meaning it runs and runs trying to keep up. Buying an air conditioner isn’t like other devices. The biggest, most expensive air conditioner isn’t the best suited for your house. Instead, work with one of our technicians to determine which is best for your home. It depends on the size of your home, if it’s protected by landscaping and trees, how much sunlight streams in, among other things.

Moving your thermostat lower will cool your home faster

Have you ever moved your thermostat down ten, twenty degrees or more from where it normally sets, trying to get your home cooled quickly? It won’t work. Your air conditioner will only produce so much conditioned airflow at a time. By dropping the temperature, you’re simply telling your air conditioner to run longer, not harder. If you simply set it for your desired temperature, the system will take care of itself.

Air conditioning only cools the air flow

Living here in dry Colorado, it may be hard to believe that air conditioners don’t just provide cooled air; they also remove humidity. Damp, humid air holds more heat than dry heat. That’s why it’s the air conditioner’s job to pull in air and condition it properly before introducing it to your home, ensuring it’s at proper levels. Too much humidity and you can have problems with condensation, respiratory issues, and problems with warping wood in your cabinets or floors.

A thermostat can be placed anywhere

Few people think about where their thermostat is placed. It’s probably where the builder put it originally. Yet where it is can significantly impact your energy efficiency. According to the Department of Energy, it should be placed on an interior wall, away from direct sunlight, drafts, doorways, windows, or other airflow issues that can lead to false readings. It also shouldn’t be blocked by furniture.

Is your air conditioner operating as effectively as it should? To bust these air conditioner myths and more, schedule an annual visit with one of our technicians to ensure your unit is operating effectively.