As Australia moves away from the cool winter weather and into the warmer months of the year, many homeowners are doing whatever is necessary to get their air conditioners summer-ready. However, there are several air conditioning myths out there that often lead to confusion. These misunderstandings about how air conditioners operate can lead to larger energy bills, diminished indoor air quality and potentially expensive repairs.
Separating fact from fiction is the best way to have your air conditioner work to keep you cool and comfy without wasting energy. So let’s debunk some of the most common myths about how air conditioners work and help you make the most of yours this summer.
1. Bigger Air Conditioners Provide Better Cooling
Does size matter? Is bigger always better?
You’d be forgiven for assuming that a bigger air conditioner will provide your home with cold air much faster and more efficiently, but that isn’t necessarily so. Oversized air conditioners may quickly remove hot air but do tend to short cycle. This means they constantly turn on and off without properly managing the air temperature, leading to uneven cooling and poor humidity control. They will typically increase energy consumption too.
A powerful unit that’s too large for your room can also place unnecessary strain on its components, resulting in expensive repairs and a diminished lifespan. To cool your home with maximum energy efficiency and minimal outdoor and indoor unit problems, choosing the right size air conditioner for your home is essential.
2. Air Conditioners Only Cool the Air
Many people believe air conditioners only provide cool air (or heated air too, at least with a reverse cycle system). However, modern air conditioning systems do much more than that.
Along with working to achieve the desired temperature indoors, they also improve indoor air quality by acting as an air filter. Air conditioners remove humidity from the atmosphere and create a healthier home environment by filtering out:
- dust
- allergens
- other pollutants
Some modern air conditioning systems even have advanced filters that can trap smaller particles, making them ideal for households with allergy sufferers. So, while your air conditioner will keep you cool this summer, it also improves the air quality inside your home.
3. Turning Off the Air Conditioner When Leaving Saves Energy
Now, you might think that turning off the aircon when you leave the house is a great way to save energy. Unfortunately, though, it can actually do the opposite and lead to higher energy bills.
When you get back home and turn the AC on again, it has to work much harder to cool the house back down. Naturally, this increases energy consumption. A more energy-efficient strategy is using a programmable thermostat that maintains a moderate temperature while you’re out of the house. This way, your aircon can gradually cool your home without wasting energy and driving up energy bills.
4. Ceiling Fans and Air Conditioning Don’t Mix
Some people believe that ceiling fans and air conditioners don’t work well together, but the opposite is actually true.
Contrary to popular belief, ceiling fans don’t cool the air. However, they do circulate the air which builds a wind chill effect that makes the room feel cooler. This allows you to set your air conditioner to a slightly higher temperature without compromising your comfort level.
By improving airflow, ceiling fans help your air conditioner maintain a comfortable environment more efficiently. Using both together not only keeps you cool but also reduces your energy consumption in the long run.
5. You’ll Save Energy By Closing Vents in Unused Rooms
Saving energy by shutting off the vents in unused rooms of the house may seem like a logical move. However, this can actually use more energy than necessary.
Closing air vents disturbs the balance of your air conditioning system, which means it must work harder to distribute air properly. Additionally, the increased pressure in the ducts can lead to short cycling, which reduces the efficiency of your system.
Instead of closing vents, you’re better off leaving them open and allowing your air conditioner to maintain a balanced air flow that promotes greater efficiency.
6. Regular Maintenance Isn’t Necessary
Some homeowners think regular air conditioner maintenance isn’t necessary. Skipping maintenance and servicing, though, can lead to costly repairs and increased energy consumption. And you don’t want either of these in the hot weather.
Periodic maintenance tasks for indoor and outdoor units should include:
- Cleaning air filters to improve airflow and prevent the system from working harder than it needs to.
- Inspecting the outdoor unit to remove any dirt, leaves, or debris that could restrict its efficiency.
- Checking refrigerant levels to maintain effective cooling and avoid system strain.
- Examining electrical connections for safety and to prevent potential breakdowns.
- Cleaning the coils to improve heat exchange and overall performance.
Now you will need a licensed technician for the last three of these maintenance tasks. They’ll keep your air conditioning unit running efficiently and compliant with safety and efficiency standards.
7. Modern Air Conditioners Consume Too Much Electricity
One common myth about modern air conditioning units is that they use too much electricity, but this is not the case. The models that exist today are actually comparatively more energy-efficient than older air conditioners.
Advanced technology makes these systems more capable of providing efficient cooling while using less energy. Modern air conditioners include a raft of features designed to reduce electricity consumption. They can include:
- variable fan speed
- improved compressors
- programmable thermostat
Each helps to keep your home at a comfortable temperature without spiking your electricity bill.
Proper use and regular servicing and maintenance further enhance their efficiency. It means you enjoy a cool, comfortable environment without worrying about excessive power bills.
8. It Doesn’t Matter Where You Install Your Air Conditioner
Many people assume that the location of their air conditioner doesn’t matter, but its performance greatly depends on prime placement. For a split system, where you install your indoor unit affects how efficiently it distributes cool air throughout the room. Similar applies to ducts with a ducted system.
For the best results, avoid placing your air conditioner near heat sources like direct sunlight, as this forces the system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Instead, install the unit in a shaded area with unrestricted airflow.
Don’t Be “Mythtaken” – Stay Cool and Informed This Summer
Understanding the truth behind common air conditioning myths can help you make smarter choices for your home.
By knocking these misconceptions on the head, you can use your air conditioner more efficiently, improve indoor air quality, and avoid costly repairs. Whether it’s choosing the right size unit, maintaining proper air flow, or ensuring regular maintenance, small changes can make a big difference in comfort and energy savings.
With the warmer months approaching, now is the perfect time to ensure your air conditioning system is ready to keep you cool and your energy bills low.
Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “Top 8 Air Conditioning Myths Debunked”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.