By Debra S. GarveyPosted on 2022-05-20 When the weather outside is hot and sticky, nothing feels better than coming inside to a cool, air-conditioned home. But what exactly is your air conditioner doing to keep you comfortable? And how much does it cost to operate? There are a lot of misconceptions about air conditioning, so we’re debunking 10 of the most common AC myths. Myth 1: Air conditioners cool your home by blowing cold air into it This is actually not how air conditioners work. An air conditioner works by removing heat from the air inside your home and circulating it back outside. The unit pulls in warm air from your home, passes it over a cooling coil filled with a refrigerant, and then blows the cooled air back into your home. Myth 2: Air conditioners use a lot of energy and are expensive to operate While it’s true that air conditioners use more energy than other appliances in your home, the cost to operate an AC unit is actually quite reasonable. Myth 3: Leaving your air conditioner on all day is cheaper than turning it off and on Many people think that it’s more efficient to leave their air conditioners on all day, rather than turning it off and on as needed. But actually, it’s more energy-efficient to turn your AC off when you’re not home, or when the temperature outside is cooler than the temperature inside your home. Myth 4: Air conditioners are bad for your health There’s actually no evidence to suggest that air conditioners are bad for your health. In fact, AC units can actually improve your indoor air quality by circulating fresh, filtered air and removing pollutants from the air. Myth 5: Air conditioners cool your home faster if you set the temperature lower This is a common misconception, but it’s actually not true. Your air conditioner will cool your home at the same rate regardless of the temperature setting. So, if you want to cool your home down quickly, it’s best to set the temperature lower and then adjust it as needed. Myth 6: Air conditioners are loud Air conditioners actually don’t have to be loud. Today’s AC units are designed to be quiet, so you can enjoy the cool air without the noise. Myth 7: Air conditioners are bad for the environment While it’s true that AC units use greenhouse gases to operate, the impact on the environment is actually quite small. In fact, if your AC is working properly, it won’t release the harmful chemical compound called hydrofluorocarbon or HFC. Myth 8: Air conditioners are bad for your skin Again, there’s no evidence to suggest that air conditioners are bad for your skin. In fact, AC units can actually help to keep your skin hydrated by circulating humidified air. Myth 9: Air conditioners cause colds This is a myth that’s been around for years, but it’s simply not true. Colds are caused by viruses, not by cold air. So, you can rest assured that your air conditioner is not the cause of your cold. Make sure to have your AC serviced by a professional AC company in Salt Lake City to ensure that it’s running properly and not circulating any harmful bacteria or viruses. Myth 10: Air conditioners are expensive to maintain While it’s important to have your air conditioner serviced regularly, the cost of maintenance is actually quite reasonable. Most AC units only need to be serviced once a year, and the average cost of service is about $100. Heating and Air Conditioning