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 various 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 untrue assumptions is that size doesn’t matter or it’s always best to choose the AC with the largest cooling capacity. The simple truth is an extremely large unit can’t adequately remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off so rapidly. This short cycling, in turn, leads to increased energy costs.

Having said that, a small unit must work harder to cool a really big space, resulting in comfort problems, needless wear and tear and premature failure. For these reasons, you should always take into account your home’s square footage and other factors that impact 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 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, no matter how low you set the temperature. There’s no benefit to selecting 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 uphold a consistent temperature all day is a misconception. In reality, setting your thermostat 7-10 degrees higher when you’re out of the house 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 maximize 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 actually decrease the temperature. Rather, they work by blowing air onto your skin, generating a wind chill effect. That is why even though ceiling fans cost very little to run, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to increase 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 place in your home where you install the thermostat can substantially impact cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can result in false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than it should. 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 a number of thermostats for the most comfort and energy savings.

Myth 6: It’s Acceptable 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 should be replaced every 30-90 days. Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more power. On the other hand, regular filter changes prolong the life of your unit and preserve efficiency.

Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important

Like any other home appliance, your air conditioner requires scheduled maintenance to encourage superior performance and longevity. Disregarding this can result in undetected issues, causing troublesome 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 doesn’t apply to air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often experience a drastic reduction in energy efficiency. While scheduled maintenance and proactive repairs can stretch out your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a complete 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

Choosing a contractor without doing your research could be a high-priced miscalculation. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to ensure you’ve found a team 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 applaudable, this doesn’t always mean they offer premium} service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and extensive expertise to address 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 calling Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide exceptional 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 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!