10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your AC works hard to keep you comfortable, especially during the summer heat. Unfortunately, many people get snookered by 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 running your air conditioner this summer in the U.S..

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

One of the most significant misunderstandings is that size doesn’t matter or it’s always best to choose the AC with the largest cooling capacity. The simple truth is an oversized unit can’t effectively remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off so rapidly. This short cycling, in turn, contributes to more expensive energy costs.

Having said that, a small unit must work harder to cool a really big 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 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 the same speed no matter what and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, irrespective of how low you set the thermostat. There’s no benefit to choosing an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes larger energy bills and diminished comfort.

Myth 3: Raising the Temperature While You’re Away Costs More Than Keeping It Steady

The belief that it’s cheaper to keep a consistent temperature all day is a misconception. The truth is, 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 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 giving up comfort.

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

Ceiling fans make it seem like a room is cooler, but they don’t truly decrease the temperature. Rather, they work by blowing air across your skin, generating 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 improve 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 in your home where you install the thermostat can significantly influence cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can cause false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than necessary. The best 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 maximum 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 standard air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters reduce airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more electricity. Conversely, 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 air conditioner should undergo scheduled maintenance to facilitate superior performance and longevity. Disregarding this can lead to undetected issues, causing inopportune breakdowns, expensive repairs and premature replacements.

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

You may hear this advice about cars, but it does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often undergo a drastic reduction 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. Arranging for AC replacement 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

Choosing a contractor without doing your research could be a costly miscalculation. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to ensure 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 being a patron of local small businesses is commendable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer superior service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and extensive expertise to tackle your needs efficiently.

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

Now that you know the importance of educating yourself and only employing a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about calling Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide excellent HVAC services in the U.S. and surrounding communities. Our dedication to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Get in touch with the experienced pros at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today at 866-397-3787 to schedule our reputable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!