10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioning equipment works hard to keep you comfortable, especially on hot and sweltering days. Unfortunately, many people believe several air conditioning myths, costing them money. 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 a bigger AC is always better. The reality 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, leads to more expensive energy costs.

On the other hand, a small unit must work harder to cool a really big space, resulting in a warmer home than you probably prefer, avoidable wear and tear and premature failure. For these reasons, you should always take into account 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

Oddly, setting your thermostat to an extremely 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 the temperature. There’s no value in opting for 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 uphold a consistent temperature all day is a misconception. The truth is, 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 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 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 truly bring down the temperature. Rather, they work by blowing air over your skin, creating a wind chill effect. That is why even though ceiling fans only cost pennies to use, leaving them running in empty rooms squanders energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to enhance comfort, but keep in mind you should always turn 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 substantially affect cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can cause false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than required. The most useful place 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 Fine 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. Dirty filters reduce airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more electricity. 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 needs scheduled 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 Dies

You may hear this information about cars, but it doesn’t apply to air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often have a major drop in energy efficiency. While scheduled maintenance and proactive repairs can extend your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a complete breakdown to upgrade to a new unit. Arranging for installation of a new air conditioning system 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 ensure you’ve found a business 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 commendable, this doesn’t always 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 realize the benefit of educating yourself and only selecting a trusted HVAC professional, you can feel good about getting in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide excellent HVAC services in the U.S. and surrounding areas. Our devotion to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Contact the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today at 866-397-3787 to schedule our reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!