10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioner works hard to keep you comfortable, especially on hot days during the summer. Unfortunately, many people get snookered by many air conditioning myths, causing an unnecessary strain on their wallets. Let’s get to the truth of these myths to help you make informed actions when using your air conditioning this summer in Fort Lauderdale.

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

One of the biggest 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 extremely large unit can’t effectively remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, in turn, contributes to more expensive energy costs.

On the other hand, a small unit must work harder to cool a large space, resulting in trouble getting your home as cool as you like, unnecessary wear and tear and can also shorten the life span of your AC. For these reasons, you should always think about 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

Interestingly, setting your thermostat to a very low temperature doesn’t cool your home faster. Your AC works at a steady pace and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, regardless of how low you set it. There’s no value in opting for 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 perception that it’s less costly to keep a consistent temperature all day is not true. The truth is, 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 air conditioning 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 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 lower the temperature. Actually, they work by blowing air across your skin, producing a wind chill effect. For that reason, even though ceiling fans only cost pennies to run, leaving them running in empty rooms wastes 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 substantially affect cooling efficiency. Putting it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can result in false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than required. 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 the most 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, nearly all common air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Dirty filters choke off airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more electricity. Conversely, regular filter changes extend the life of your unit and protect efficiency.

Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important

Like any other home appliance, your air conditioner should undergo routine maintenance to facilitate maximum performance and longevity. Overlooking this can allow undetected issues, causing troublesome breakdowns, costly repairs and premature replacements.

Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Dies

You may hear this advice about cars, but it does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often have a severe drop in energy efficiency. While regular maintenance and proactive repairs can lengthen your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a complete breakdown to consider air conditioning replacement. 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

Employing a contractor without doing your research could be a high-priced mistake. 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 admirable, this doesn’t necessarily mean they offer superior service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a broad range of expertise to address your needs efficiently.

Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Fort Lauderdale

Now that you understand the benefit of educating yourself and only selecting a respected HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide excellent HVAC services in Fort Lauderdale 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 experienced pros at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today at 954-736-4314 to schedule our quality services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!