If you’re anything like the average homeowner, you probably don’t understand the technical details of how your air conditioner works. That’s okay, we don’t expect you to—especially considering the complexity of modern AC systems and the years of training and education required to even become a licensed HVAC technician!
Unfortunately, though, there are some things you should know about your air conditioning in Denver, CO that many people do not. Due to this, you might be using your air conditioner inefficiently and even could be doing more harm than good to the system.
Myth #1: Refrigerant Is Like “Fuel” for Your AC
People often mistake the chemical refrigerant moving through their air conditioning system as something the cooling system must consume in order for it to operate, the same way a combustion engine in a car or a gas-powered appliance consumes gasoline. However, the refrigeration process is quite difference.
Your cooling system does not use up it refrigerant and exhaust it as cooling. Rather, refrigerant is what makes heat transfer possible—it moves heat from the inside of your home to the outside, and does not dissipate in the process. Refrigerant ideally should last throughout your air conditioner’s entire lifespan.
Now, that doesn’t mean your air conditioner can’t lose refrigerant! But, it means you have a leak that must be located and repaired in order for your system to be fully restored. Refrigerant leaks can lead to a number of problems with your cooling system’s operation.
Myth #2: The Air Filter Protects Your Indoor Air Quality
There is an air filter that comes standard with your air conditioning system. There’s a common misconception that this air filter is in place to protect your indoor air quality, and that it only needs to be changed during your maintenance appointment.
Considering that professional maintenance is only conducted once a year (or every 6 months, if you have a year-round heat pump system), neglecting your air filter can be a big mistake. The air filter is actually not there to protect your indoor air quality, but rather the inside components of your HVAC system.
When it becomes too dirty or clogged, the air filter will restrict airflow, and will allow contaminants to infiltrate the interior components of your system. As a result, your air conditioner will have to work harder to its job, and will wear out a lot faster than it otherwise would. Your air filter should be changed every 1-3 months depending on what type of filter it is, and depending on the level of contaminants in your home.
Myth #3: Running the AC “Full Blast” Helps It Cool Faster
Our temperatures may still be chilly, but if you’ve live in the Denver area for even just a year, then you know how sweltering our summers can get. As a result, you may be tempted to blast your AC the moment you get home to cool off, fast.
But this is actually inefficient, and makes your air conditioner work too hard. It’s actually more efficient to have your AC run a bit higher during the day when the home is unoccupied, then turn it back down to a more comfortable level once you get home. Your air conditioner uses most of its energy turning on and shutting down, so opting for this method will help you save energy, and money, in the long run.
When you need expert air conditioning services, look no further than Aurora Plumbing Company! We have someone in your neighborhood today.
