4 Common Myths About Air Conditioning

by Kevin Smith Author

A properly working air conditioning unit is an excellent asset during the warm summer months. After being out in the hot sun, you can relax in a cool environment. While much is known about air conditioning, there are many misconceptions that are widely believed. Here are some of the most common myths about air conditioning in Pittsburgh, PA.

Fans Lower the Temperature

Rather than keeping the air conditioning on all day, some people will turn their fans on instead. It’s widely believed that turning on fans will lower the temperature in the room. However, this is not the case. The room may seem cooler when the fans are on, but this is due to the wind-chill effect. In fact, fans simply move the air around the room. As the wind hits your warm skin, your body heat transfers to the air. Sweat also evaporates faster when your fans are on. This is how fans make you feel cooler without changing the temperature.

Bigger is Better

Some people think that if you purchase a bigger air conditioner, it will be more effective at cooling a home. Each air conditioning unit is designed to distribute air at a specific rate. The most efficient size of an air conditioner depends on the size of the building you’re attempting to cool. If you have a bigger air conditioner for a smaller home, the AC unit will think you have a bigger home and use more energy while producing the same results as the appropriately-sized air conditioning unit.

Lowering Temperature Will Cool Building Quicker

A common misconception is that if you set the thermostat at a lower temperature, it will cool the building quicker. The temperature at which you set the thermostat has no bearing on how quickly the temperature changes. No matter what temperature you set, the temperature will change at the same rate. However, you will use up more energy by setting the thermostat to a lower temperature.

You Only Need a Professional If Something is Wrong

Most people only call their local air conditioning professional when something is wrong with their unit. Your air conditioning unit is similar to a vehicle in that regular maintenance can have a major impact on its long-term health. A regular servicing will ensure that the unit works efficiently so that its parts don’t wear as quickly.

Air conditioning is a great asset as it keeps you cool during the warm months of summer. While much is known about air conditioning in Pittsburgh, PA, many of these well-known facts are misconceptions. Understanding which of these are true will allow you to run your unit more efficiently.