Many owners across the country rely on common mistakes to maintain their units. These common mistakes often lead to low productivity, high bills, and early unit failure. In various areas, you are exposed to heat and damp air, so proper system maintenance is crucial for long-term use.
Some mistakes are based on old beliefs that do not apply to modern technology. Others are spread through word of mouth and lack any sound evidence. Eliminating these inefficient methods results in higher productivity, lower expenses, and a cooler home. Let us address nine of the most common misconceptions about AC in this country.
1. Dry Mode Saves Power
A common myth is that cool mode uses more energy than dry mode. This flaw arises from the slow fan speed and weak output. The truth is more complicated than this. Instead of just keeping things cool, dry mode reduces the amount of moisture in the air (Sensibo).
Even if the fan runs at a slow speed, the engine still works hard. To remove water from the air, the machine has to cool the coils more than during normal operation (Whirlpool Forum). This means that even if there is less air coming in, the engine continues to operate at a lower output. Simply using dry mode does not significantly reduce power consumption.
This mode is helpful when the temperature is not too high but the air feels sticky. Removing moisture from the air makes you feel cooler in such conditions, without being too cold. However, if the temperature is high and the motor runs at full capacity for hours, the claims of a 30% energy loss may not be true (PropSocial). Do not consider dry mode as a cure-all for every hot day; rather, use it according to local conditions.
2. Bigger Units Cool Faster
Why Size Is Not Better
Owners often assume that a larger unit will reduce temperatures faster. At first glance, this seems correct; more power means faster cooling. But units that are too large for your area can cause serious problems. They reach the set point too quickly, so they shut down before the entire cycle is complete (Ford & Doonan).
The Short Cycle Issue
A unit that is too large may cycle on and off more frequently than necessary. This phenomenon is called short cycling. The system uses more and more power with each start. Multiple starts increases power consumption and puts more wear on critical components, such as the motor (Trane). This can ultimately shorten the lifespan of your system by several years.
Poor Water Control
Furthermore, larger units cannot properly remove moisture from the air. The room may feel damp and sticky because it cools so quickly that water remains in it (Lennox). This negates the benefits of air conditioning in areas with high humidity and heat.
Right Sizing Matters
The ultimate solution to the oversized unit issue is to find one that suits your area. The space heat, window lighting, and the number of people using it all affect the appropriate size. A technician can perform load tests to determine the ideal size for your needs (Carrier).
3. Coastal Air Does Not Matter
Air conditioners are especially vulnerable when you live near the ocean. Metal corrosion in salty air can occur up to 10 times faster than in indoor areas (Coastal Home). Salt deposits, along with water in the air, accumulate on coils, fins, and casings. Over time, this mixture corrodes metal parts and causes rust.
Intuitively, metals located more than 80 kilometers from the coast can also be affected by salty air (IACS). Your outdoor unit suffers the most damage. The coils that transfer heat in and out become weak and dirty. Initially, small, unseen holes develop. Eventually, large holes become apparent, leading to leaks and system failure.
Owners of units located near the ocean should flush them with fresh water once a month to remove salt deposits. Use a gentle rinse to protect delicate fins (ClimaCool). Apply rust-resistant coatings to metal parts. When buying new equipment, choose devices designed for coastal use. These have marine-grade components and coated coils that last longer in harsh environments.
4. Night Air Is Free
- When temperatures drop, it is more economical to run the unit all night. However, for modern systems, running at low demand does not offer much savings. Each time the motor starts from a completely off state, it draws more power. The surge created by shutting down the unit at night and restarting it in the morning can be more costly than running it at a consistently high temperature.
- Even at night, fresh air coming in from outside contains mold and moisture. When the vents are open, the air conditioner has to work harder. Power is used because the system has to cool and dry the fresh air coming in. Do not use both at the same time; if you want night air, turn the device off completely.
- Some owners think the unit “rests” when it is turned off. In reality, the unit needs to heat up again after cooling down to function properly. This heat cycle puts pressure on seals and valves. For long-term health, it may be better to leave the device on at a lower setting throughout the night rather than turning it off completely every day.
- With careful planning, you can raise the temperature while you sleep and lower it just before you wake up. This eliminates the troublesome start-stop cycle and saves electricity. The device uses less energy overall and operates at a lower speed for most of the night (Samsung).
5. Auto Mode Is Smartest
| Issue | What Happens | Why It Fails |
| Mode Switching | The system chooses heat, fan, or cool on its own. | When you still require chilly air, you might switch to a fan to stay warm. |
| Mixed Zones | Reads a single sensor for the entire house. | Without zone management, cold patches cause other rooms to remain hot. |
| Fan Speed | Merely makes use of the default parameters. | Unable to adjust for days with high humidity, when a low fan draws more water from the air. |
| Comfort Loss | Lack of the precise output control. | Makes you uncomfortably cold in dry climates or sticky in humid ones. |
6. Short Cycling Is Harmless
At first glance, short cycling seems insignificant, simply a device turning on and off repeatedly. But over time, this phenomenon causes serious damage. Each start-up forces the motor to work harder than it would during normal operation, as it draws a lot of power. According to the Electrical Embassy, excessive starts result in increased wear on the motor, valves, and relays.
In this situation, the mechanism never has enough time to remove moisture from the air. The result is that the room feels wet despite the lower temperatures. Additionally, short cycles prevent the coils from reaching the proper temperature, which can lead to ice buildup. Ice blocks airflow and forces the system to work harder, leading to a greater risk of failure (ARS Rescue Rooter).
7. Filters Only Affect Air
- Guards are not the only thing dirty air screens do. They block airflow throughout the system. When air can not flow freely, the engine overheats and works harder to push air through the blockage. This increases power consumption and can trigger safety switches, causing equipment to shut down.
- Clogs also cause coils to freeze. When airflow over them is reduced, the coils become extremely cold and ice begins to form. Snow completely blocks airflow, preventing the system from operating until the snow melts. When dirty screens are the primary cause of the problem, owners often assume the unit is defective (MHIAA).
- In addition to gunk, mold spores, pollen, and animal hair also accumulate on the screens. Every time the fan runs, the clogged screens recirculate these spores back into your room. Clean screens are beneficial for those prone to health issues because they keep the air clean. Replace or clean smartwatch screens once a month during heavy use (Electrodry).
- Some owners believe that screens can last for years without maintenance. In reality, in homes with heavy gardens or livestock, it is often necessary to check screens every 30 days and replace them every 90 days. Skipping these steps can shorten your unit lifespan by several years and save on repair costs.
8. Thermostat Location Does Not Matter
Heat Sources Cause False Reads
The location of the sensor has a significant impact on the output. If the sensor is placed near a lamp, a window that receives direct sunlight, or a heat source, it will read at a higher temperature than the rest of the room. According to Fujitsu, this can cause the system to require more cooling, which wastes power and makes the air in the other parts excessively cold.
Central Spots Work Best
The sensor should be placed in a location where it reflects the actual temperature of your primary living area. Avoid areas with poor airflow, drafts from doors, or outside ventilation. The best location is between inner walls. This allows the system to accurately sense room conditions without accidentally feeling too high or too low (Hitachi).
Wrong Reads Mean Waste
If the sensor is faulty, your system could be working 20% more than necessary. Often, you pay for cooling in parts of your home that are not necessary. Shifting the sensor to a better location is often an easy solution that immediately reduces your bills and improves temperature stability in every room.
9. Inverters Never Fail
Inverter systems are more reliable than older models thanks to modern technology. However, they still have some drawbacks. The boards that regulate motor speed use complex components that can deteriorate due to age, heat, or voltage spikes. Compared to the basic parts of older systems, repairs to these boards are expensive (SoCool).
Furthermore, inverter units require specialized technicians to test and repair the boards. Not every repair shop has the necessary equipment or expertise. When items do fail, this leads to expensive repairs and longer waits. According to Indian Product Guru, in some areas there are simply no technicians who work with inverter devices.
Inverter units are especially stressed in homes that are near the sea or where the power supply is unstable. Voltage swings over time can damage the boards. Clean inputs and limited power zones are best for these units. If you frequently experience power problems, an inverter may not be the best option. Trust professionals like Astra Green Solutions to help you choose the best system for your area and guarantee proper installation and maintenance to ensure the long life of your unit.
