10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your AC works hard to keep you comfortable, especially on hot days during the summer. Unfortunately, many people believe several air conditioning myths, causing an unnecessary strain on their wallets. 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 main misconceptions is that size doesn’t matter or the biggest possible AC unit is the best. The fact is an oversized 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 higher energy costs.

Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a huge space, resulting in trouble getting your home as cool as you like, unnecessary wear and tear and premature failure. 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

Interestingly, 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, irrespective of how low you set the temperature. There’s no advantage to choosing an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes higher energy bills and decreased comfort.

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

The thinking that it’s less costly to uphold a consistent temperature all day is not true. In reality, 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 bills. 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 maximize 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 truly bring down the temperature. Instead, they work by blowing air over your skin, producing a wind chill effect. For that reason, 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 keep in mind you should always 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 dramatically influence cooling efficiency. Putting it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can result in false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than necessary. The most useful 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 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. Clogged filters choke off airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more power. Alternatively, regular filter changes prolong the life of your unit and preserve efficiency.

Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important

Like any other home appliance, your cooling system requires regular maintenance to facilitate maximum performance and longevity. Neglecting this can result in undetected issues, causing inopportune breakdowns, costly repairs and premature replacements.

Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Dies

You may hear this tip about cars, but it doesn’t apply to air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often have a major decrease in energy efficiency. While regular maintenance and proactive repairs can lengthen your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a total breakdown to replace it. Arranging for installation of a new air conditioning system 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

Hiring a contractor without doing your research could be a costly miscalculation. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to confirm you’ve found a team with the experience and skills to provide trustworthy service.

Myth 10: Working with a Small Business Is Always Better

While shopping at local small businesses is applaudable, this doesn’t always mean they offer better} 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 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 communities. Our dedication to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Contact the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today at 866-397-3787 to schedule our quality services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!