10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money
Your AC works hard to keep you comfortable, especially during the summer heat. Unfortunately, many people get snookered by various air conditioning myths, costing them money. Let’s get to the truth of these myths to help you make informed choices when using your air conditioning this summer in Fort Lauderdale.
Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter
One of the most significant misconceptions is that size doesn’t matter or a bigger AC is always better. The reality is an extremely large unit can’t effectively remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, in turn, causes higher energy costs.
On the other hand, a small unit must work harder to cool a really big space, resulting in comfort problems, avoidable wear and tear and can also shorten the life span of your AC. For these reasons, you should always consider 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
Oddly, 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, irrespective of how low you set the temperature. There’s no benefit 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 perception that it’s cheaper to keep a consistent temperature all day is a misconception. The truth is, setting your thermostat 7-10 degrees higher when you’re out of the house for eight hours a day can save up to 10 percent on your cooling expenses. This is because your AC 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 losing 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 lower the temperature. Rather, they work by blowing air over your skin, generating a wind chill effect. For that reason, even though ceiling fans only cost pennies to run, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to enhance comfort, but don’t forget to switch 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 dramatically influence cooling efficiency. Putting it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can result in false readings, making your AC work harder than it should. The most useful location for the thermostat is a central location away from direct light and heat. You might even consider zoning your home with multiple thermostats for the most 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, most standard air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Plugged filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more power. On the other hand, regular filter changes extend the life of your unit and preserve efficiency.
Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important
Like any other home appliance, your AC unit requires regular maintenance to facilitate superior performance and longevity. Disregarding this can allow undetected issues, causing inconvenient breakdowns, costly repairs and premature replacements.
Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Breaks Down for the Final Time
You may hear this information about cars, but it does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often experience a drastic reduction in energy efficiency. While regular maintenance and proactive repairs can lengthen your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a full-blown breakdown to consider air conditioning replacement. Arranging for AC replacement is easier 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 costly mistake. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to confirm you’ve found a business with the experience and skills to provide trustworthy service.
Myth 10: Working with a Small Business Is Always Better
While being a patron of local small businesses is admirable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer premium} service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a wide range of expertise to address your needs efficiently.
Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Fort Lauderdale
Now that you realize the benefit of educating yourself and only employing a trusted HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide excellent HVAC services in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding neighborhoods. Our devotion to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Get in touch with the experienced pros at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today at 954-736-4314 to schedule our reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!