10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your AC works hard to keep you cool, especially during the summer heat. Unfortunately, many people believe several air conditioning myths, causing them to spend money they shouldn’t. Let’s debunk these myths to help you make informed decisions when running your air conditioner 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 oversized unit can’t properly remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off so rapidly. This short cycling, consequently, contributes to more expensive energy costs.

Having said that, a small unit must work harder to cool a huge space, resulting in comfort problems, needless wear and tear and premature failure. For these reasons, you should always consider 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 more quickly. Your AC works at a steady pace and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, regardless of how low you set the temperature. There’s no value in choosing 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 belief that it’s less expensive to keep 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 expenses. This is because your air conditioning doesn’t have to work as 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 giving up 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 decrease the temperature. Instead, 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 wastes energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to increase 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 in your home where you install the thermostat can substantially impact cooling efficiency. Installing it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can result in false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than required. The most useful spot for the thermostat is a central location away from direct light and heat. You might even consider zoning your home with numerous 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, the vast majority of common air filters should be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters reduce airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more electricity. On the other hand, regular filter changes extend the life of your unit and maintain efficiency.

Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important

Like any other home appliance, your AC unit should undergo regular maintenance to encourage maximum performance and longevity. Overlooking this can allow 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 advice about cars, but it isn’t true when you’re talking about air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often experience a major reduction in energy efficiency. While routine maintenance and proactive repairs can extend your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a catastrophic breakdown to replace it. Arranging for air conditioning installation 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

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 business with the experience and skills to provide reliable 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 superior service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and extensive 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 importance of educating yourself and only hiring a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about getting in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide superior HVAC services in the U.S. and surrounding neighborhoods. Our devotion to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Contact the experienced pros at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today at 866-397-3787 to schedule our reputable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!