Summer will be here soon, so you can expect to use your HVAC system more often. If you haven’t already done so, you should have it inspected and get any repairs done now. Doing so can ensure you have a functional unit that won't shut down in the middle of a heat wave. When it comes to such repairs, there are many myths that some homeowners are misguided by. Here are myths about air conditioning repair.

Myth 1: Wait Until the AC Quits for Replacement

Some people erroneously think it's fine to keep using the same AC unit until it completely gives out. That may be one of the worst things you can do for your home’s energy efficiency and overall budget. According to Bob Vila, your HVAC has a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. When you don't properly maintain it, it can certainly last a much shorter time than that. If you wait until the AC unit completely gives out, you may be spending more money over the years for constant air conditioning repair that could have paid for a more efficient unit in that time.

Air conditioners don't quit at the most convenient times. Imagine what would happen if there was a heat wave and your unit gave out in the middle of one. It doesn't take long for someone to get sick due to heat stroke. Many people suffer each year from heat-related illnesses. If you have vulnerable people in your home such as children, the elderly, or animals, they're even more susceptible to such heat problems. Don't put yourself and your family at risk by waiting for an AC unit already on its last legs to give out. If it's near the end of its life cycle or showing signs it’s no longer working at full capacity, it may be time to replace it.

Myth 2: Vacuuming Means You Don’t Have to Worry About Filter Changes

Your unit’s filters may be simple to handle, but they play a major role in the likelihood of repairs and premature replacement. Cleaning your home may help keep your filters cleaner than normal, but it is not the only solution to maintaining them. Your filters will need cleaning and replacement at some point. Doing so could lower your energy consumption by a significant margin. That's because when your filters are dirty, they block the airflow, which makes your HVAC system work much harder. When it has to work harder, it has a greater likelihood of breaking down and needing repairs. Monthly filter cleaning or replacements may be especially necessary in a dusty or polluted area.

Myth 3: Closing Room Vents Saves Energy

You might think that closing your room air vent is an easy way to save money. However, it actually has little effect when your HVAC system is on. As long as your HVAC system is burning energy, that is the energy you'll have to pay for monthly. Whether that air is escaping out the vent or not has very little difference on your bill. The best way to save energy is by getting timely repairs or an energy-efficient system from the beginning.

Closing vents also throws off the balance of the system as it changes the way air is distributed. Therefore, some parts of the house may be at an uncomfortable temperature compared to normal. One of the best solutions you can implement is to have a mini-ductless system that allows you to control the airflow in each room, floor, or zone in your home. So if one person likes their room cold and another person likes an area hot, they have the freedom to control the HVAC unit in that particular space. When you have to make adjustments by closing those vents, it is a sign something is wrong with your existing unit and it's something that you should let your HVAC professional know about.

Myth 4: A Bigger Unit Means Better Cooling

According to Payless Power, as many as 87% of American homes use air conditioning, and 75% use central units. Some people think a bigger unit is best in terms of durability and cooling, but that's not always the case. It's best to have an HVAC system that is perfectly sized for your particular home or a section of your home. After all, it’ll cycle on and off at intervals to help maintain the temperature on a thermostat. Air cycling helps maintain humidity levels, as well as energy efficiency. However, the cycling may happen more frequently or irregularly when it's the wrong size. As a result, you won't have a properly functioning unit that cools or heats as needed. This extra work that the unit does can end up creating more wear and tear, which may cause it to need more repairs than a properly sized one.

Myth 5: You Can Skip Maintenance Visits

Always keep track of your regular maintenance and inspection schedule. Even when it seems like you don't need air conditioning repair, your unit may still have something wrong with it. When a professional checks things out, they know exactly what to look and listen for that signals an underlying problem you may miss. So even if your unit is cooling and heating as it should, there may be coolant leaks inside, worn-down parts about to break, or carbon monoxide leaking.

Keeping up with regular inspections and maintenance can affect your warranty. This matters as your HVAC warranty is helpful when you need a future replacement. If you need a replacement before the warranty ends, you won't have to pay for a new unit as long as you don't violate the warranty. One of the easiest ways to violate a warranty is by not scheduling annual inspections and other ongoing repairs as needed.

Myth 6: It’s Cheaper to Do DIY Repairs

If you consider yourself handy around the house, you may want to avoid using your handiwork for your HVAC system. You're not a trained AC professional, so you may end up missing smaller problems and only patching over them. Those small problems you miss can quickly escalate into larger ones that can result in more expensive repairs or an AC shutdown. Doing your own repairs instead of scheduling a professional technician can also violate your unit warranty. If you violate the warranty, any future repairs and installations you'll need will have to come out of your pocket. Therefore, you may think you're saving upfront by handling your own repairs, but you can create more expenses for yourself in the long run.

Clearing up the above myths about air conditioning repair is essential so homeowners understand what mistakes to avoid. Knowing when to maintain, repair, or inspect your unit is essential to keeping it running efficiently. That's why homeowners should understand when to change the filters, find the right size unit for their home, and leave any repairs and updates up to professionals, as it's not the time for DIY work. When you want an experienced professional to help you, look no further than Southern Comfort HVAC LLC. We offer a manufacturer’s warranty on our units and are licensed, bonded, and insured. Contact us anytime to learn more about HVAC repair and installations.