Most homeowners in Ottawa have some form of AC installed for the summer heat. If you have one yourself, you may have overheard some air conditioner “tips and tricks” that sound good, but in reality, they could cost you time and money, and even affect your safety. If you want to check your knowledge and see what you know about air conditioner ownership and care, take a look at some of the most common air conditioner myths that could be costing you money.
Furnace Filters Only Need To Be Changed During The Winter
MYTH: One of the most common air conditioner myths is the amount of time you can put off changing your air conditioner’s filter. Sometimes, homeowners with central air conditioning will think that since their furnace isn’t running during the summer that the furnace filter doesn’t need to be changed.
TRUTH: In reality, if you have central air conditioning your cool air is being sent through the furnace filter to the rest of your home. If your furnace filter is clogged then you could end up having trouble with your air conditioner. Homeowners should be changing their furnace filters at least once every 90 days.
Turning Off Your AC While You’re Out Will Save You Money
MYTH: It can be expensive to keep an Ottawa home cool throughout the entirety of the summer. If you’re looking to save money you might have been told to keep your air conditioner turned off while you’re at work or school and only use it when you’re at home.
TRUTH: In reality, turning off your air conditioner when you leave the house will actually cost you money because you’re forcing your air conditioner to work harder to cool down a very hot house at the end of the day. The best way to ensure you save money during the day is to install a smart thermostat to control the temperature of your home remotely.
You Can Save Money By Performing DIY HVAC Repair
MYTH: One of the most dangerous air conditioner myths that should never be followed is that you can save money and time by performing air conditioner repair yourself as opposed to calling the experts.
TRUTH: In reality, performing DIY HVAC repair can not only cost you money in the long run by having experts fix what damage you may have caused, but it also voids your AC warranty, shortens the lifespan of your system, and puts yours and your household’s health and safety at risk.
You Should Wait Until Your Air Conditioner Breaks Down Before Replacing It
MYTH: Another one of the most common air conditioner myths is that you should wait until your air conditioner completely breaks down before replacing it, in the name of getting “the most out” of your system.
TRUTH: Waiting for your air conditioner to completely break down will cost you more in energy bills, repair bills, and maintenance bills than is usually necessary. Plus, if your air conditioner breaks during the heat of the summer, you may end up paying a huge amount in emergency replacement fees, and the new unit you want may not be available.
Preventative Maintenance Is A Waste Of Time And Money
MYTH: Some people don’t believe in spending money every year on preventative maintenance, and instead choose to only call expert technicians in the case of disrepair or complete breakdown.
TRUTH: When you choose to forego preventative maintenance, you’re actually setting yourself up for spending more money. Preventative maintenance ensures that your air conditioner won’t suddenly break down, causing you to spend on emergency repair, plus, most warranties require homeowners to schedule annual maintenance lest they forgo their coverage.
Time for annual preventative maintenance?
Contact the heating and cooling experts of Team Harding!
Team Harding has been Ottawa’s leader in Heating & Air Conditioning service since 1994. Customer satisfaction is our top priority and our licensed professionals have the skills and experience to meet all of your HVAC needs.
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