10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioner works hard to keep you comfortable, especially during the summer heat. 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 cooling your home 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 truth is an oversized unit can’t adequately remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, in turn, leads to higher energy costs.

Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a large space, resulting in comfort problems, unnecessary wear and tear and premature failure. For these reasons, you should always consider 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

Surprisingly, setting your thermostat to a lower 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, regardless of how low you set it. There’s no benefit 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 belief that it’s cheaper to maintain a consistent temperature all day is a myth. 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 costs. This is because your AC 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 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. Instead, they work by blowing air across your skin, creating a wind chill effect. Therefore, even though ceiling fans only cost pennies to operate, leaving them running in empty rooms wastes energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to enhance comfort, but remember to turn 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 significantly impact cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can cause false readings, making your AC work harder than necessary. The best 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 Fine to Only Change the Air Filter Once a Year

While some high-end media filters last up to a year, most standard air filters should be replaced every 30-90 days. Dirty 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 AC unit requires routine maintenance to promote optimal performance and longevity. Neglecting this can lead to undetected issues, causing inconvenient breakdowns, costly 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 doesn’t apply to 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 total breakdown to replace it. A scheduled AC replacement is more convenient 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 mistake. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to ensure you’ve found a company with the experience and skills to provide reliable service.

Myth 10: Working with a Small Business Is Always Better

While supporting local small businesses is commendable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer better} service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a wide range of expertise to address 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 contacting Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide superior HVAC services in the U.S. and surrounding communities. Our commitment 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 reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!