10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your AC works hard to keep you cool, especially on hot days during the summer. Unfortunately, many people get snookered by several air conditioning myths, causing them to spend money they shouldn’t. Let’s debunk these myths to help you make informed actions when using your air conditioning this summer in the U.S..

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

One of the biggest misunderstandings is that size doesn’t matter or it’s always best to choose the AC with the largest cooling capacity. The truth is an oversized unit can’t effectively remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, in turn, contributes to more expensive energy costs.

On the other hand, a small unit must work harder to cool a huge space, resulting in a warmer home than you probably prefer, unnecessary wear and tear and a shortened life span for your unit. 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 an extremely low temperature doesn’t cool your home faster. Your AC works at a set rate and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, irrespective of how low you set it. There’s no value in 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 belief that it’s cheaper to keep a consistent temperature all day is a myth. 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 bills. This is because your AC 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 increase savings without giving up 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 truly bring down the temperature. Actually, they work by blowing air over your skin, generating a wind chill effect. Therefore, even though ceiling fans don’t cost very much to run, leaving them running in empty rooms squanders energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to increase comfort, but remember 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 significantly affect cooling efficiency. Putting it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can result in false readings, making your air conditioning work harder than it should. The ideal 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 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 traditional air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Dirty filters choke off airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more energy. Conversely, 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 air conditioner should undergo routine maintenance to encourage maximum performance and longevity. Neglecting this can lead to 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 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 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 installation of a new air conditioning system 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

Choosing a contractor without doing your research could be a high-priced miscalculation. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to confirm 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 shopping at local small businesses is commendable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer superior service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a wide range of expertise to tackle your needs efficiently.

Contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in the U.S.

Now that you know the benefit of educating yourself and only employing a trusted HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide exceptional HVAC services in the U.S. and surrounding communities. Our dedication to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Reach out to 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!