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 fall victim to various air conditioning myths, causing an unnecessary strain on their wallets. Let’s debunk these myths to help you make informed choices when cooling your home this summer in Waukegan.

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

One of the most significant misunderstandings is that size doesn’t matter or a bigger AC is always better. The reality is an extremely large unit can’t adequately remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, in turn, contributes to increased energy costs.

On the other hand, a small unit must work harder to cool a large space, resulting in comfort problems, needless wear and tear and premature failure. For these reasons, you should always think about 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

Interestingly, setting your thermostat to a very low temperature doesn’t cool your home more quickly. Your AC works at the same speed no matter what and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, irrespective of how low you set the temperature. There’s no advantage to 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 cheaper to uphold a consistent temperature all day is a misconception. Actually, 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 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 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 actually bring down the temperature. Instead, they work by blowing air over your skin, creating a wind chill effect. That is why 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 improve comfort, but keep in mind you should always switch 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 influence cooling efficiency. Installing it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can result in false readings, making your AC work harder than necessary. 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 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, most common air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Plugged filters reduce airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more energy. On the other hand, regular filter changes extend the life of your unit and protect efficiency.

Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important

Like any other home appliance, your AC unit should undergo regular maintenance to encourage optimal performance and longevity. Overlooking 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 undergo a drastic decrease in energy efficiency. While regular maintenance and proactive repairs can stretch out 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 an expensive miscalculation. 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 supporting local small businesses is applaudable, this doesn’t always mean they offer superior service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and extensive expertise to handle your needs efficiently.

Contact Robinson Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Waukegan

Now that you understand the benefit of educating yourself and only selecting a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting Robinson Service Experts . We provide superior HVAC services in Waukegan and surrounding neighborhoods. Our devotion to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Get in touch with the team at Robinson Service Experts today at 847-306-8730 to schedule our reputable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!