10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioning equipment works hard to keep you refreshed and cool, especially on hot days during the summer. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to many air conditioning myths, costing them money. Let’s get to the truth of these myths to help you make informed choices when running your air conditioner 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 a bigger AC is always better. The reality is a great big unit can’t adequately remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off so rapidly. This short cycling, consequently, leads to more expensive energy costs.

Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a really big space, resulting in trouble getting your home as cool as you like, unnecessary wear and tear and a shortened life span for your unit. For these reasons, you should always take into account 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 a lot faster. Your AC works at a steady pace and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, regardless of how low you set the thermostat. There’s no value in 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 perception that it’s less costly to uphold a consistent temperature all day is not true. In reality, 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 give the perception you’re cooler, but they don’t really bring down the temperature. Instead, they work by blowing air over your skin, creating a wind chill effect. Therefore, even though ceiling fans cost very little to operate, leaving them running in empty rooms squanders 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 you put the thermostat can dramatically influence cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can trigger false readings, making your air conditioning work harder than necessary. 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 multiple thermostats for the most 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 should be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more electricity. On the other hand, regular filter changes lengthen the life of your unit and preserve efficiency.

Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important

Like any other home appliance, your cooling system should undergo routine maintenance to encourage maximum performance and longevity. Neglecting this can result in undetected issues, causing inopportune breakdowns, high-priced repairs and premature replacements.

Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Dies

You may hear this advice about cars, but it does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often experience a severe drop in energy efficiency. While scheduled maintenance and proactive repairs can stretch out your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a full-blown breakdown to upgrade to a new unit. Planning an AC replacement 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 reliable service.

Myth 10: Working with a Small Business Is Always Better

While supporting local small businesses is admirable, this doesn’t necessarily mean they offer premium} service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a wide range of expertise to handle your needs efficiently.

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

Now that you know the value of educating yourself and only hiring a respected HVAC professional, you can feel good about getting in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide excellent HVAC services in the U.S. and surrounding communities. Our devotion to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Contact 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!