10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioner works hard to keep you refreshed and cool, especially during the summer heat. Unfortunately, many people get snookered by various air conditioning myths, costing them money. Let’s get to the bottom of these myths to help you make informed actions when using your air conditioning this summer in the U.S..

Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter

One of the main misconceptions is that size doesn’t matter or a bigger AC is always better. The truth is an extremely large unit can’t properly remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off so rapidly. This short cycling, consequently, causes more expensive energy costs.

On the other hand, a small unit must work harder to cool a large space, resulting in a warmer home than you probably prefer, needless wear and tear and a shortened life span for your unit. For these reasons, you should always think about your home’s square footage and other factors that impact the ideal AC unit size.

Myth 2: Cranking Down the Temperature Cools Your Home Faster

Surprisingly, setting your thermostat to a lower temperature doesn’t cool your home more quickly. Your AC works at the same speed no matter what and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, no matter how low you set it. There’s no benefit to opting for an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes higher energy bills and reduced comfort.

Myth 3: Raising the Temperature While You’re Away Costs More Than Keeping It Steady

The perception that it’s less costly to maintain a consistent temperature all day is a misconception. The truth is, setting your thermostat 7-10 degrees higher when you’re not home for eight hours a day can save up to 10 percent on your cooling bills. This is because your air conditioner doesn’t have to operate as often to maintain a warmer temperature. Modern programmable thermostats automate this process, adjusting the temperature after you leave and before you return home to increase savings without giving up comfort.

Myth 4: Running the Ceiling Fans 24/7 Keeps the House Cooler

Ceiling fans make a room feel cooler, but they don’t actually lower the temperature. Instead, they work by blowing air across your skin, generating a wind chill effect. That is why even though ceiling fans don’t cost very much to operate, leaving them running in empty rooms wastes energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to enhance comfort, but keep in mind you should always power them off when you leave.

Myth 5: It Doesn’t Matter Where You Install the Thermostat

Contrary to popular belief, the place in your home where you install the thermostat can substantially influence cooling efficiency. Installing it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can trigger false readings, making your air conditioning work harder than required. The ideal location for the thermostat is a central location away from direct light and heat. You might even consider zoning your home with a number of thermostats for maximum comfort and energy savings.

Myth 6: It’s OK to Only Change the Air Filter Once a Year

While some high-end media filters last up to a year, the vast majority of traditional air filters need to be replaced every 30-90 days. Plugged filters choke off airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more power. On the other hand, regular filter changes prolong the life of your unit and protect efficiency.

Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important

Like any other home appliance, your air conditioner should undergo regular maintenance to promote maximum performance and longevity. Overlooking this can allow undetected issues, causing inopportune breakdowns, high-priced repairs and premature replacements.

Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Gives Out Completely

You may hear this information about cars, but it isn’t true when you’re talking about air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often undergo a severe reduction in energy efficiency. While routine maintenance and proactive repairs can lengthen your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a total breakdown to consider air conditioning replacement. Arranging for AC replacement is more convenient and lets you tap into the next generation of features and performance improvements.

Myth 9: It Doesn’t Matter What HVAC Contractor You Hire

Employing a contractor without doing your research could be a high-priced miscalculation. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to make sure you’ve found a company with the experience and skills to provide dependable service.

Myth 10: Working with a Small Business Is Always Better

While shopping at local small businesses is admirable, this doesn’t necessarily mean they offer premium} service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a wide range of expertise to handle your needs efficiently.

Contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in the U.S.

Now that you know the value of educating yourself and only employing a trusted HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide exceptional HVAC services in the U.S. and surrounding communities. Our commitment to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Get in touch with the skilled crew at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today at 866-397-3787 to schedule our reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!