Your air conditioner works hard to keep you refreshed and cool, especially during the summer heat. Unfortunately, many people believe many air conditioning myths, causing an unnecessary strain on their wallets. Let’s debunk these myths to help you make informed actions when cooling your home this summer in Charlotte.
Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter
One of the main 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 a great big unit can’t adequately remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off very fast. This short cycling, consequently, contributes to increased energy costs.
Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a really big space, resulting in comfort problems, needless wear and tear and premature failure. For these reasons, you should always think about your home’s square footage and other factors that impact the ideal AC unit size.
Myth 2: Cranking Down the Temperature Cools Your Home Faster
Interestingly, setting your thermostat to an extremely 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, no matter how low you set the thermostat. There’s no advantage to opting for 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 less expensive to uphold a consistent temperature all day is a misconception. Actually, 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 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 boost savings without giving up comfort.
Myth 4: Running the Ceiling Fans 24/7 Keeps the House Cooler
Ceiling fans make it seem like a room is cooler, but they don’t really bring down the temperature. Rather, they work by blowing air over your skin, producing a wind chill effect. That is why even though ceiling fans only cost pennies to run, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to enhance 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 place in your home where you install the thermostat can dramatically impact cooling efficiency. Installing it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can trigger false readings, making your air conditioning work harder than necessary. The ideal spot for the thermostat is a central location away from direct light and heat. You might even consider zoning your home with numerous 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, the vast majority of standard air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Plugged filters reduce airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more electricity. Conversely, regular filter changes lengthen 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 scheduled maintenance to encourage maximum performance and longevity. Disregarding this can allow undetected issues, causing troublesome breakdowns, expensive 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 undergo 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 full-blown breakdown to upgrade to a new unit. A scheduled air conditioning installation 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
Choosing a contractor without doing your research could be a high-priced miscalculation. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to confirm 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 admirable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer premium service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and extensive expertise to address your needs efficiently.
Contact Komfort Air Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Charlotte
Now that you understand the value of educating yourself and only hiring a respected HVAC professional, you can feel good about calling Komfort Air Service Experts. We provide exceptional HVAC services in Charlotte and surrounding communities. Our devotion to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Contact the skilled crew at Komfort Air Service Experts today at 704-705-8135 to schedule our reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!