Is your AC not cooling as well as you expect? That’s frustrating. Especially if your system is not old and there’s no obvious repair issue.
You might be falling victim to some myths about air conditioning that are hurting the performance of your system. Today we’re going to debunk those myths and reveal what you need to know to improve air conditioner problems.
Why your AC is not cooling: Myths & Facts
MYTH #1: “Bigger is better”
Was your system installed by a GC or builder? That may explain why your AC is not cooling adequately. Installers who are not HVAC experts may choose a bigger system than the space requires, believing it will give better results. The fact is, oversized systems often fail to remove humidity, run up your electric bill, and wear out sooner than correctly sized systems.
Proper system sizing (or cooling capacity) is key to consistent comfort and reliable operation. Your installer should perform a Manual J load calculation and not rely solely on the square footage of your space.
Learn more: Sizing HVAC Systems: Why Bigger Is Not Always Better
MYTH # 2: “Renovations don’t impact your AC”
Has your space been renovated or converted for a different use? If you didn’t adjust your air conditioning, that can explain why your AC is not cooling well after the renovation. Significant changes to the space (and/or occupancy) will often require HVAC adjustments to ensure proper air distribution.
You may not need a completely new system. However, it’s likely that you’ll need design changes such as rerouting ducts, reconfiguring zones, and changing placement of supply and return registers as well as thermostats.
Learn more: Skipping Commercial HVAC Design Could Sabotage Your Renovation
MYTH # 3: “It’s all about the brand”
Many people shy away from buying an air conditioning system from a brand they don’t recognize.
The truth is, choosing the right brand is less important than you may think. There are many quality brand names in HVAC that offer reliable equipment you can count on for long-term performance.
What’s more important, but often overlooked, in shopping for a new AC system? Quality installation. HVAC systems are not plug-and-play. There are many installation mistakes that can hinder the performance of your commercial air conditioner. Make sure you hire qualified HVAC experts to design and install your system.
Learn more: Best Commercial Air Conditioner Brands: What You Need to Know
MYTH # 4: “Turn it off when nobody’s there”
The old advice was to turn off your AC when you leave the house, or shut off your commercial AC when you leave for the night. (The modern version is to set your programmable thermostat to OFF when the space is empty.) The assumption was that you waste energy running the AC when nobody is there.
Today we know better: turn the temperature up a few degrees (try 76 to 78 degrees) instead of turning it off completely. It takes less energy to maintain a moderate temperature for a while than to cool it back down when it’s reached 90 degrees or more after being shut off. It also reduces stress on the system that can lead to performance issues.
MYTH # 5: “Close the register if it’s too cold”
It’s a classic problem: people have different preferences when it comes to air conditioning, and spaces have different requirements for cooling. For example, you may want bedrooms cool at night, except for a baby’s room. Areas like kitchens and conference rooms may need more cooling than adjacent areas.
Closing AC supply registers where you want less cooling is not a good solution. Doing that causes unbalanced air distribution and can hurt the performance of your system. Instead, look into creating cooling zones that you can control independently.
Learn more: Zoned AC System: Improving Comfort While Lowering Energy Costs
MYTH # 6: “If ain’t broke, don’t fix it”
Your air conditioner shouldn’t be a “set it and forget it” appliance in your home or business. It’s a complex system that requires periodic maintenance to perform reliably. Maintenance also helps prevent expensive repairs and increases the life span of the system.
A residential system needs a good cleaning, inspection, and tune-up once or twice a year. Commercial systems may need it more often, depending on the usage, environment, and occupancy.
Learn more: HVAC Service Contract Pricing Guide
MYTH # 7: “It’s covered by the warranty”
AC manufacturer warranties typically cover defects in the parts or materials. Sometimes they cover failure of key components (like compressors) for some length of time. They do not cover labor or the cost of routine maintenance or common repairs.
Service agreements (or contracts) provide flexible coverage for these costs. They can be customized to cover exactly what you want and need, and they reduce the total cost of ownership over the lifespan of your air conditioning system.
Learn more: If I Have a Warranty, Why Do I Need an HVAC Service Contract?
Arista can diagnose & fix your AC problems in NYC
Our experts know all the facts, and we can solve your AC problems quickly and reliably. There’s no need to put up with inadequate cooling in NYC. Contact us now!
