10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your AC works hard to keep you comfortable, especially on hot days during the summer. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to various air conditioning myths, costing them money. Let’s get to the bottom of these myths to help you make informed choices when using your air conditioning this summer in the U.S..

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

One of the most significant 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 a great big unit can’t adequately remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off very fast. This short cycling, as a result, causes increased energy costs.

On the other hand, a small unit must work harder to cool a large space, resulting in a warmer home than you probably prefer, needless wear and tear and can also shorten the life span of your AC. 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

Surprisingly, setting your thermostat to an extremely low temperature doesn’t cool your home more quickly. Your AC works at a set rate and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, regardless of how low you set the thermostat. There’s no advantage to opting for an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes larger energy bills and reduced comfort.

Myth 3: Raising the Temperature While You’re Away Costs More Than Keeping It Steady

The thinking 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 costs. 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 make it seem like a room is cooler, but they don’t truly bring down the temperature. Instead, they work by blowing air over your skin, creating a wind chill effect. For that reason, even though ceiling fans don’t cost very much to use, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to enhance comfort, but remember to 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 dramatically affect cooling efficiency. Putting it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can cause false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than necessary. The best 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 maximum comfort and energy savings.

Myth 6: It’s OK 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 choke off airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more power. Alternatively, 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 cooling system requires scheduled maintenance to promote superior performance and longevity. Disregarding this can allow undetected issues, causing troublesome 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 information about cars, but it isn’t true when you’re talking about air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often have a major decrease in energy efficiency. While scheduled maintenance and proactive repairs can lengthen your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a total breakdown to upgrade to a new unit. Arranging for installation of a new air conditioning system 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 costly 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 being a patron of local small businesses is applaudable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer superior service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a broad range of 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 realize the value of educating yourself and only hiring a trusted HVAC professional, you can feel good about calling Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide excellent HVAC services in the U.S. and surrounding communities. Our commitment to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Reach out to the skilled crew at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today at 866-397-3787 to schedule our quality services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!