Common Myths About Home Cooling

Nov 19, 2021

Your air conditioning system is responsible for delivering cool air throughout your home. Thankfully, a typical HVAC system will last around 15 years before it needs to be replaced. However, it’s made up of several components that can break down along the way and shorten its lifespan. Unfortunately, catching these issues isn’t always as easy as your unit shutting off.

Sometimes symptoms pop up around or inside your home that can signal the need for repairs. So, how do you know if your AC is doing its job correctly? Our experts at Hobson AC have the answers. Keep reading to find out ways to be sure your AC is maximizing its efficiency.

To schedule an AC inspection with our experts, call us today at (817) 341-5142. 

3 Common Signs Your AC Isn’t Working Correctly

If you notice these common signs your AC isn’t working correctly, you should call a professional HVAC technician to inspect and repair or replace your system:

  • Warm air
  • Irregular cooling cycles
  • Foul odors

Warm Air

Warm air can mean several things in the AC world. While it may be an easy repair like restoring your fan or fixing thermostat functions, it can also signal the need for serious repairs like managing refrigerant leaks and electrical wiring in your HVAC system. Serious issues should be handled by professionals because electricity and chemicals are dangerous and can be deadly.

Irregular Cooling Cycles

The size of your unit can impact its cooling cycles. While an AC unit being too small for a room or home is a problem, one that is too big also causes issues. A unit that is too large for your home will shut off before a full cooling cycle is up because it reaches the intended temperature too quickly. This allows the room to heat back up before the next cooling cycle starts.

Irregular cooling cycles can also be due to a safety feature on your unit. A modern HVAC system may cut a cooling cycle if it detects voltage that is too high, in order to protect you and your family from electrical fires. Window air conditioners are often sold in 110-volt models, while central air systems need double the power to operate. 

Foul Odors

Depending on which strange smells your AC unit is emitting, it can mean different issues. Musty odors that have a hint of woodiness often signal mold or mildew growing in your unit, while a dirty sock smell likely indicates the need for a filter change. However, some odors can be dangerous, like a gas smell.

If you smell gas in your home or coming from your air conditioning system, you should open as many windows as you can and quickly call your local fire department to inspect your home for a potential gas leak. Gas leaks can poison humans and animals and cause fires in your home.

Trust Hobson AC With Your AC Repairs and Replacements

At Hobson AC, we understand the strange symptoms your HVAC system may be experiencing. Our qualified team can handle any of your AC repair or replacement needs. Serving the Weatherford area since 1962, we are leading experts in the HVAC industry.

Call our team of professionals to schedule your appointment today at (817) 341-5142. 

Drop These Myths About AC

There’s a lot that goes into running a home central air conditioning system. You need to set the right temperature, deal with any breakdowns, change out the filters, and more. All this effort, though, goes toward making your home comfortable.

In an effort to run an efficient and comfortable home, a lot of myths get thrown around that may sound good, but just aren’t true. We’re breaking down some of these myths so you can learn the best ways to manage your home AC.

Close Vents to Save Energy

When there are areas of your home that aren’t used much, you may try closing the vents so you don’t waste cool air in rooms with no people. While this sounds like a logical idea, it actually won’t save you energy.

Instead, to save energy, try raising your thermostat temperature. Or, if you want closer control over different areas of your home, you may benefit from a zoning system.

You Should “Crank” the AC When it’s Hot

One of the most common misconceptions is that you can raise and lower the power of your air conditioner. When you get home from work and your home is stuffy and hot, resist the urge to lower the thermostat below your desired temperature.

Most air conditioners only operate at one “speed.” Likewise, the temperature you set is not the temperature of the cool air, but rather the desired ambient temperature of your home. So setting your thermostat to, say 68 degrees, won’t speed up how cool your home gets and will only make your system run longer and cost you more money.

If you want to better tune your temperature to fit your schedule without wasting energy, consider installing a smart thermostat. You can set a schedule so the temperature adjusts when you get home automatically, and you won’t walk into a hot home.

Any Filter Will Do

Hopefully, you’re aware of the importance of changing your air filters. These simple, yet crucial devices insert into your HVAC system and remove dust and debris from the air. Once they get full, you need to replace them in order for your system to function at maximum efficiency.

A lot of people will just grab any filter to insert into their system, as long as it fits. But there are good and bad filters, and it can take some trial and error. There are media filters, which are considered the most comprehensive, but there are also standard and HEPA filters. Each differs in its ability to filter particles while still remaining efficient.

Consult with your HVAC professional to figure out which filter is right for your home, as they are not all created equal.

You Don’t Need an Annual Tune-Up

A lot of homeowners push off their annual tune-ups and maintenance appointments if their AC is running smoothly. This makes sense – why do you need a service if there’s nothing wrong?

Well, this is a myth because with an appliance as complicated and important as an air conditioner, it needs preventative maintenance. An annual tune-up, ideally before the peak summer season, will ensure your system is ready to endure the hot weather.

During a tune-up, a professional HVAC technician will review every aspect of your system, including electrical connections, unit components, the thermostat, refrigerant levels, and more. They can also change and recommend the right filter.

Don’t skip out on this crucial and affordable service, as it will make your system run more efficiently, reduce your energy bills, and prevent costly repairs.

This Ain’t Our First Rodeo

During our decades in the HVAC business, we’ve seen it all. Trust the Hobson AC team to keep your home comfortable all year round. Contact us today at (817) 341-5142 to consult with our experts.

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