10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioner works hard to keep you cool, especially during the summer heat. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to many air conditioning myths, causing an unnecessary strain on their wallets. Let’s get to the truth of these myths to help you make informed actions when running your air conditioner this summer in the U.S..

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

One of the main untrue assumptions is that size doesn’t matter or a bigger AC is always better. The simple truth 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, contributes to increased 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, 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 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, no matter how low you set the temperature. There’s no value in opting for 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 perception that it’s cheaper to maintain 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 bills. This is because your air conditioner 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 boost savings without giving up comfort.

Myth 4: Running the Ceiling Fans 24/7 Keeps the House Cooler

Ceiling fans make a room feel cooler, but they don’t truly bring down the temperature. Actually, they work by blowing air across your skin, generating a wind chill effect. That is why even though ceiling fans only cost pennies to run, leaving them running in empty rooms wastes 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 place you put the thermostat can dramatically affect cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can cause false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than it should. The best 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 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 traditional air filters should be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters reduce airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more electricity. On the other hand, regular filter changes prolong the life of your unit and maintain efficiency.

Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important

Like any other home appliance, your AC unit needs scheduled maintenance to promote superior 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 Breaks Down for the Final Time

You may hear this tip about cars, but it isn’t true when you’re talking about air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often experience a severe reduction 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 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

Hiring a contractor without doing your research could be an expensive error. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to make sure you’ve found a business with the experience and skills to provide reliable 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 address your needs efficiently.

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

Now that you understand the value of educating yourself and only employing a trusted HVAC professional, you can feel good about calling Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide superior 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. Get in touch with 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!