10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioning equipment works hard to keep you refreshed and cool, especially during the summer heat. Unfortunately, many people get snookered by various air conditioning myths, causing them to spend money they shouldn’t. Let’s get to the bottom of these myths to help you make informed decisions when cooling your home this summer in the U.S..

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

One of the main misunderstandings is that size doesn’t matter or it’s always best to choose the AC with the largest cooling capacity. The reality is a great big unit can’t properly remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off very fast. This short cycling, consequently, causes higher energy costs.

Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a large space, resulting in trouble getting your home as cool as you like, avoidable wear and tear and premature failure. 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

Interestingly, setting your thermostat to a very low temperature doesn’t cool your home more quickly. Your AC works at a steady pace and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, no matter how low you set it. There’s no advantage to selecting an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes greater energy bills and decreased comfort.

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

The belief that it’s cheaper to maintain a consistent temperature all day is a misconception. Actually, setting your thermostat 7-10 degrees higher when you’re away for eight hours a day can save up to 10 percent on your cooling bills. This is because your air conditioning doesn’t have to run so hard to maintain a warmer temperature. Modern programmable thermostats automate this process, adjusting the temperature after you leave and before you return home to maximize savings without sacrificing comfort.

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

Ceiling fans give the perception you’re cooler, but they don’t actually bring down the temperature. Actually, they work by blowing air over your skin, generating a wind chill effect. For that reason, even though ceiling fans don’t cost very much to use, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to improve comfort, but don’t forget to turn them off when you leave.

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

Contrary to popular belief, the place you put the thermostat can substantially affect cooling efficiency. Installing it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can cause false readings, making your air conditioning work harder than required. The ideal place 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 Acceptable to Only Change the Air Filter Once a Year

While some high-end media filters last up to a year, most common air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more energy. 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 AC unit should undergo scheduled maintenance to promote optimal performance and longevity. Neglecting this can lead to undetected issues, causing inopportune breakdowns, expensive repairs and premature replacements.

Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Breaks Down for the Final Time

You may hear this tip about cars, but it isn’t true when you’re talking about air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often have a drastic drop in energy efficiency. While regular maintenance and proactive repairs can lengthen your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a total breakdown to replace it. A scheduled 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

Hiring a contractor without doing your research could be an expensive mistake. 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 supporting local small businesses is applaudable, this doesn’t always mean they offer superior service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and extensive expertise to address your needs efficiently.

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

Now that you know the benefit of educating yourself and only selecting a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about calling Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide superior HVAC services in the U.S. and surrounding communities. Our dedication to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Reach out to the experienced pros at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today at 866-397-3787 to schedule our quality services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!