10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioning equipment works hard to keep you cool, especially during the summer heat. Unfortunately, many people get snookered by many air conditioning myths, costing them money. Let’s get to the bottom of these myths to help you make informed actions when cooling your home this summer in Wheeling.

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

One of the main misconceptions is that size doesn’t matter or a bigger AC is always better. The simple truth is an oversized unit can’t properly remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off very fast. This short cycling, consequently, leads to higher energy costs.

Having said that, a small unit must work harder to cool a really big space, resulting in comfort problems, needless wear and tear and a shortened life span for your unit. For these reasons, you should always think about 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 lower temperature doesn’t cool your home a lot faster. Your AC works at a set rate and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, irrespective of how low you set the temperature. There’s no benefit to opting for an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes larger energy bills and decreased comfort.

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

The perception that it’s less expensive to keep a consistent temperature all day is a myth. 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 air conditioning 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 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 bring down the temperature. Instead, they work by blowing air onto your skin, producing a wind chill effect. For that reason, even though ceiling fans don't cost very much to use, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless 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 dramatically affect cooling efficiency. Installing it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can result in false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than required. The ideal place 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 OK to Only Change the Air Filter Once a Year

While some high-end media filters last up to a year, nearly all traditional air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more power. On the other hand, 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 cooling system should undergo scheduled maintenance to facilitate maximum performance and longevity. Overlooking this can result in 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 advice about cars, but it does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often undergo a drastic decrease in energy efficiency. While routine maintenance and proactive repairs can lengthen your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a full-blown breakdown to replace it. Arranging for 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

Employing a contractor without doing your research could be a costly error. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to make sure you’ve found a company 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 applaudable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer better service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a wide range of expertise to tackle your needs efficiently.

Contact Comfort Masters Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Wheeling

Now that you realize the importance of educating yourself and only hiring a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about calling Comfort Masters Service Experts. We provide exceptional HVAC services in Wheeling and surrounding areas. Our dedication 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 Comfort Masters Service Experts today at 847-250-6729 to schedule our quality services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!