Your air conditioner works hard to keep you comfortable, especially during the summer heat. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to several air conditioning myths, costing them money. Let’s debunk these myths to help you make informed decisions when running your air conditioner this summer in Indianapolis.
Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter
One of the main misconceptions is that size doesn’t matter or it's always best to choose the AC with the largest cooling capacity. 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, as a result, causes more expensive energy costs.
On the other hand, 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 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 influence the ideal AC unit size.
Myth 2: Cranking Down the Temperature Cools Your Home Faster
Oddly, setting your thermostat to a lower temperature doesn’t cool your home a lot faster. Your AC works at the same speed no matter what 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 selecting an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes greater energy bills and reduced comfort.
Myth 3: Raising the Temperature While You’re Away Costs More Than Keeping It Steady
The perception that it’s less expensive to uphold a consistent temperature all day is not true. 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 conditioner 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 boost savings without losing comfort.
Myth 4: Running the Ceiling Fans 24/7 Keeps the House Cooler
Ceiling fans make a room feel cooler, but they don’t really lower the temperature. Actually, they work by blowing air across your skin, producing a wind chill effect. Therefore, even though ceiling fans only cost pennies to operate, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to increase 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 thermostat’s location can dramatically affect cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources such as windows, lamps and appliances can cause false readings, making your air conditioning 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 numerous 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, the vast majority of traditional air filters need to be replaced every 30-90 days. Plugged filters reduce airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more energy. Conversely, regular filter changes lengthen the life of your unit and protect efficiency.
Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important
Like any other home appliance, your cooling system should undergo routine maintenance to encourage optimal 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 Gives Out Completely
You may hear this advice about cars, but it does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often undergo a severe drop in energy efficiency. While scheduled maintenance and proactive repairs can lengthen your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a catastrophic breakdown to consider air conditioning replacement. Arranging for 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
Employing a contractor without doing your research could be a high-priced 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 shopping at local small businesses is applaudable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer superior service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and extensive expertise to address your needs efficiently.
Contact Broad Ripple Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Indianapolis
Now that you realize the importance of educating yourself and only selecting a trusted HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting Broad Ripple Service Experts. We provide superior HVAC services in Indianapolis and surrounding communities. Our dedication to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Contact the team at Broad Ripple Service Experts today at 317-527-0271 to schedule our reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!