10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your AC works hard to keep you cool, especially during the summer heat. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to several air conditioning myths, causing them to spend money they shouldn’t. Let’s get to the truth of these myths to help you make informed choices 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 misconceptions is that size doesn’t matter or the biggest possible AC unit is the best. The fact 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, in turn, contributes to more expensive energy costs.

Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a large space, resulting in trouble getting your home as cool as you like, needless wear and tear and premature failure. For these reasons, you should always consider 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

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, no matter how low you set it. There’s no advantage to selecting an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes higher 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 less costly to maintain a consistent temperature all day is a misconception. In reality, 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 boost savings without sacrificing comfort.

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

Ceiling fans make a room feel cooler, but they don’t actually lower the temperature. Rather, they work by blowing air across your skin, creating a wind chill effect. Therefore, even though ceiling fans cost very little to operate, leaving them running in empty rooms wastes energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to improve comfort, but don’t forget to 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 substantially impact cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources such as windows, lamps and appliances can result in false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than required. The ideal 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 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, most traditional air filters need to be replaced every 30-90 days. Plugged filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more energy. On the other hand, 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 cooling system should undergo regular maintenance to promote optimal performance and longevity. Neglecting this can lead to 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 tip about cars, but it isn’t true when you’re talking about air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often experience a drastic decrease in energy efficiency. While regular maintenance and proactive repairs can extend your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a complete breakdown to consider air conditioning replacement. Planning an installation of a new air conditioning system 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 error. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to confirm 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 commendable, this doesn’t always mean they offer superior 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 understand the benefit of educating yourself and only employing a respected HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide exceptional HVAC services in the U.S. and surrounding areas. Our commitment to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Contact 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!