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 fall victim to 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 choices when cooling your home this summer in the U.S..

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

One of the biggest misconceptions is that size doesn’t matter or the biggest possible AC unit is the best. The truth is a great big unit can’t adequately remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off so rapidly. This short cycling, in turn, contributes to increased energy costs.

Having said that, a small unit must work harder to cool a really big space, resulting in comfort problems, unnecessary wear and tear and premature failure. For these reasons, you should always think about your home’s square footage and other factors that affect the ideal AC unit size.

Myth 2: Cranking Down the Temperature Cools Your Home Faster

Interestingly, setting your thermostat to an extremely low temperature doesn’t cool your home faster. Your AC works at the same speed no matter what and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, irrespective of how low you set it. There’s no advantage to choosing an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes larger energy bills and diminished comfort.

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

The perception that it’s less costly to keep a consistent temperature all day is not true. 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 expenses. This is because your air conditioner 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 increase savings without sacrificing comfort.

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

Ceiling fans make it seem like a room is cooler, but they don’t really decrease the temperature. Rather, they work by blowing air onto your skin, producing a wind chill effect. Therefore, 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 improve 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 thermostat’s location can dramatically impact cooling efficiency. Putting it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can trigger false readings, making your AC work harder than required. The best spot 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 optimal comfort and energy savings.

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

While some high-end media filters last up to a year, nearly all standard air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more power. Conversely, regular filter changes lengthen the life of your unit and maintain efficiency.

Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important

Like any other home appliance, your air conditioner needs routine maintenance to promote maximum performance and longevity. Disregarding this can lead to undetected issues, causing inconvenient 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 information about cars, but it does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often experience a severe decrease in energy efficiency. While scheduled maintenance and proactive repairs can extend your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a total breakdown to upgrade to a new unit. Planning an AC replacement is less stressful 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 a high-priced miscalculation. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to make sure you’ve found a team with the experience and skills to provide trustworthy service.

Myth 10: Working with a Small Business Is Always Better

While supporting local small businesses is admirable, this doesn’t necessarily mean they offer better} 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 realize the value of educating yourself and only employing a respected HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide excellent 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. Reach out to the skilled crew at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today at 866-397-3787 to schedule our reputable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!