10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your AC works hard to keep you comfortable, especially on hot and sweltering days. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to various air conditioning myths, causing an unnecessary strain on their wallets. Let’s debunk these myths to help you make informed decisions 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 misconceptions is that size doesn’t matter or a bigger AC is always better. The reality is an oversized unit can’t properly remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, in turn, causes higher energy costs.

Having said that, 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 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 impact the ideal AC unit size.

Myth 2: Cranking Down the Temperature Cools Your Home Faster

Interestingly, 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 it. There’s no advantage to selecting 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 belief that it’s cheaper to uphold 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 expenses. This is because your air conditioner 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 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 lower the temperature. Instead, they work by blowing air over your skin, generating a wind chill effect. Therefore, even though ceiling fans cost very little to use, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless 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 substantially influence cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can cause false readings, making your AC work harder than it should. The ideal 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 optimal 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, nearly all common air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters reduce airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more energy. On the other hand, regular filter changes lengthen the life of your unit and protect efficiency.

Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important

Like any other home appliance, your air conditioner should undergo routine maintenance to facilitate maximum performance and longevity. Overlooking this can lead to undetected issues, causing troublesome breakdowns, high-priced repairs and premature replacements.

Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Dies

You may hear this information about cars, but it does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often have a major drop in energy efficiency. While scheduled maintenance and proactive repairs can extend your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a catastrophic breakdown to replace it. Planning an air conditioning installation 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

Employing a contractor without doing your research could be an expensive miscalculation. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to make sure you’ve found a team with the experience and skills to provide dependable 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 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 realize the importance of educating yourself and only hiring a trusted HVAC professional, you can feel good about getting in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide exceptional HVAC services in the U.S. and surrounding neighborhoods. Our dedication to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Contact the experienced pros at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today at 866-397-3787 to schedule our reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!