Your air conditioning equipment works hard to keep you cool, especially on hot and sweltering days. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to many air conditioning myths, causing them to spend money they shouldn't. Let’s get to the bottom of these myths to help you make informed decisions when using your air conditioning this summer in East Syracuse.
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 reality is a great big unit can’t effectively remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, in turn, contributes to increased energy costs.
Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a really big space, resulting in comfort problems, avoidable wear and tear and premature failure. For these reasons, you should always take into account your home’s square footage and other factors that affect the ideal AC unit size.
Myth 2: Cranking Down the Temperature Cools Your Home Faster
Oddly, setting your thermostat to a very low temperature doesn’t cool your home a lot faster. Your AC works at the same speed no matter what and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, regardless of how low you set the thermostat. There’s no benefit to 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 perception that it’s cheaper to keep 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 expenses. 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 increase savings without losing comfort.
Myth 4: Running the Ceiling Fans 24/7 Keeps the House Cooler
Ceiling fans make a room feel cooler, but they don’t really decrease the temperature. Rather, they work by blowing air onto your skin, producing a wind chill effect. Therefore, even though ceiling fans don't cost very much to operate, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to improve comfort, but remember to power 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 substantially impact cooling efficiency. Putting it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can cause false readings, making your air conditioning work harder than necessary. The ideal 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 the most comfort and energy savings.
Myth 6: It’s Acceptable to Only Change the Air Filter Once a Year
While some high-end media filters last up to a year, most traditional air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more energy. Conversely, regular filter changes lengthen the life of your unit and maintain efficiency.
Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important
Like any other home appliance, your air conditioner should undergo scheduled maintenance to promote superior performance and longevity. Overlooking this can lead to undetected issues, causing troublesome breakdowns, expensive 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 doesn’t apply to air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often experience 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 complete breakdown to consider air conditioning replacement. 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
Hiring a contractor without doing your research could be a high-priced 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 admirable, this doesn’t always mean they offer premium service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a wide range of expertise to address your needs efficiently.
Contact Falso Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in East Syracuse
Now that you know the value of educating yourself and only employing a trusted HVAC professional, you can feel good about calling Falso Service Experts. We provide excellent HVAC services in East Syracuse 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 experienced pros at Falso Service Experts today at 315-313-6531 to schedule our reputable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!