10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your AC works hard to keep you cool, especially on hot days during the summer. Unfortunately, many people believe several 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 misunderstandings is that size doesn’t matter or the biggest possible AC unit is the best. The truth is a great big unit can’t effectively remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off very fast. This short cycling, consequently, causes higher energy costs.

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

Surprisingly, setting your thermostat to a very 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 value in selecting an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes greater 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 cheaper to maintain a consistent temperature all day is a misconception. The truth is, 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 air conditioner doesn’t have to run so hard 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 decrease the temperature. Instead, they work by blowing air over your skin, creating a wind chill effect. For that reason, even though ceiling fans cost very little to run, leaving them running in empty rooms wastes energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to increase 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 place you put the thermostat can significantly impact cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can trigger false readings, making your AC work harder than necessary. The best location 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 Fine 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 should be replaced every 30-90 days. Plugged filters choke off 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 maintain efficiency.

Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important

Like any other home appliance, your AC unit requires routine maintenance to encourage maximum performance and longevity. Neglecting this can lead to undetected issues, causing troublesome breakdowns, high-priced repairs and premature replacements.

Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Gives Out Completely

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 routine maintenance and proactive repairs can extend your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a total 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 error. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to ensure you’ve found a team 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 admirable, this doesn’t always 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 respected 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 neighborhoods. Our devotion 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 reputable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!