There are many commonly held beliefs around air conditioners but not all of them are true. In fact, some of them will cost you.
In this article, we debunk 6 common myths about air conditioners and give you advice on what you should do instead, so you can keep cool and not worry about wasting your money.
But before diving into the myths, let’s first get to know a little more about the split system air conditioner.
What Is A Split System AC And Why Is It So Popular In Australia?
Split systems are wall mounted air conditioning units that work to condition the air in a single space/room.
Split system air conditioners can provide both cooling and heating solutions and require electricity to run.
Split systems are the most popular choice for Australians because of its benefits which include:
- Quiet operation
- Year-round heating and cooling from a single system
- Efficiency
- Easy and quick installation
- Low running costs
Now, Let’s Bust Some Common Air Conditioning Myths
1. The Bigger, The Better
Not quite. Bigger does not always mean the most efficient choice for you and your home.
Choose The Appropriate Size For Your Room
Before taking the plunge to buy an air conditioner, make sure you understand how much power your home or room requires.
Purchasing an air conditioner with insufficient power (kW) for your room can overwhelm the system, causing it to work extra hard to cool such a large space and wearing it down over time.
On the other hand, buying an AC with too much power (kW) for your room could cause you to incur a higher electricity bill or suffer from overcooling of the space.
Refer To Our Sizing Guide
Get it right the first time by referring to our guide before making your purchase:
Room Size | Description | Estimated Capacity |
Small (up to 20m2) | Small kitchen, bedroom, study | 2 – 2.5kW |
Medium (20 – 40m2) | Small lounge, bedroom with adjoining bathroom | 2.5 – 5kW |
Large (40 – 60m2) | Mid-sized lounge, large bedroom or kitchen | 4 – 6kW |
Extra large (60+m2) | Large lounges, open-plan areas | 5 – 9kW |
2. Most Air Cons Cost The Same To Run
Not all ACs are built the same. ACs come in all types of shapes and sizes, with multiple features which do affect their running costs over time.
Energy Efficient Models Can Save You
You could even have different running costs when comparing 2 models of the same size.
Energy efficient models require less energy to produce the same output as other air conditioners. This is how you can save on your energy bills.
So, when deciding on what air conditioner to get, pay attention to the unit’s energy star rating. The more stars an air conditioner has, the more efficient it is. ACs with 6-7 star rating are amongst the most efficient.
A Well-Maintained And Clean AC Will Keep Running Costs Low
Sometimes, all that’s standing in the way of you and higher energy bills is a poorly maintained air conditioner. Remember to book a professional service for your AC at least once a year, or twice if you’re using it for both heating and cooling functions.
Aside from getting it serviced routinely, you should also be cleaning around your air conditioner and replacing its air filters once every 3-4 months. This will help prevent the buildup of dust particles around and in your AC, which can restrict the airflow and lead to other more serious problems.
3. Only Replace A Unit When The Older One Is Broken
Old Units May Not Be Efficient Any More
Signs of inefficiency may not always be as clear as your unit breaking down but instead in the form of your energy bills slowly creeping up.
Once your air conditioning unit has reached the 12 year mark, it’s time to start considering getting it replaced. The reason for this is that repairs become less cost effective at this age.
Some air conditioners can last up to 15 to 20 years. In this case, just keep an eye out for signs of your air conditioning system blowing warm air, producing loud noises or anything else that shows it is not functioning properly. If that happens, you’ll know it’s time for a change.
4. Your AC Is Making You Sick
Maybe, maybe not. This depends on the situation.
It Depends On The Condition Of Your AC
Is your air conditioner working optimally or is it showing any of the following signs of malfunction?
- Sudden increases in your electricity bills
- Not circulating cool or warm air as desired
- Strange noises coming from your AC
- Odd smells coming from the air conditioner
If it is then perhaps your air conditioner is inadvertently making you ill. The quick solution to this is getting your air conditioner serviced or checked by a licensed technician.
To learn more, check out our article on whether your AC is making you sick.
5. Air Filters Don’t Need Regular Replacing
As a matter of fact, they do. They’re probably one of the only parts of your AC that needs to be replaced more frequently than others.
Usage Determines How Often You Should Clean/Replace Your Air Filters
Firstly, check the user manual or manufacturers recommendations on how often you need to be cleaning and replacing your air filters.
Otherwise, as a rule of thumb you should be cleaning them out once every 3-4 months and replacing them every year.
Leaving Them Dirty Will Cause Inefficiency
Air filters are one of the key components of your AC and will accumulate dust and other airborne contaminants from every use.
A dirty or clogged air filter will cause poor airflow, forcing your AC to have to work harder to cool your space. A dirty filter can also lead to poor air quality within your home.
6. You Can Always Trust Your Thermostat Reading
Not always. Sometimes the issue of higher energy bills lies in a faulty or inaccurate thermostat.
Ensure That It’s Located Someplace Where It Can Accurately Read The Room’s Temperature
Where you place your thermostat is crucial to how well your air conditioner performs. You should always place your thermostat:
- Away from heating or cooling sources
- In a central location in your home
The goal is to get an accurate reading of the temperature levels in your home. An inaccurate reading can cause you to waste energy and money.
Routine Servicing Will Ensure That It’s Working Properly
Make sure to get your air conditioner checked and serviced routinely so that the technicians can check to see if all parts, including the thermostat, are functioning optimally.
This will save you some energy and unnecessary spending in the long run.
Blow Away These AC Myths
Now that you know all about these myths, all that’s left to do is apply the knowledge to make smarter and more savvy choices about your air conditioning system.
If you’re in need of servicing or replacing your old air conditioning unit, book an appointment with Gaschill’s trained professionals today.
