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 believe various air conditioning myths, causing them to spend money they shouldn’t. Let’s get to the truth of these myths to help you make informed actions when running your air conditioner this summer in Fort Lauderdale.

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 reality is an extremely large unit can’t adequately remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off so rapidly. This short cycling, in turn, leads to higher energy costs.

Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a really big space, resulting in comfort problems, unnecessary wear and tear and can also shorten the life span of your AC. For these reasons, you should always consider 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

Oddly, 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, regardless of how low you set it. There’s no benefit to choosing an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes greater energy bills and diminished 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. In reality, 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 bills. This is because your air conditioner 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 increase savings without sacrificing comfort.

Myth 4: Running the Ceiling Fans 24/7 Keeps the House Cooler

Ceiling fans give the perception you’re cooler, but they don’t actually decrease the temperature. Actually, they work by blowing air over your skin, creating a wind chill effect. For that reason, even though ceiling fans cost very little to use, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to increase 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 substantially affect cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can result in false readings, making your AC work harder than necessary. The most useful spot for the thermostat is a central location away from direct light and heat. You might even consider zoning your home with a number of 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. Dirty filters choke off airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more energy. Conversely, 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 air conditioner needs scheduled maintenance to promote optimal performance and longevity. Overlooking this can lead to undetected issues, causing inopportune 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 does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often undergo a drastic reduction in energy efficiency. While scheduled maintenance and proactive repairs can extend your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a full-blown breakdown to consider air conditioning replacement. Arranging for AC replacement 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 error. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to ensure 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 supporting local small businesses is commendable, this doesn’t necessarily mean they offer better} service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a broad range of expertise to handle your needs efficiently.

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

Now that you know the importance of educating yourself and only employing a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about getting in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide excellent HVAC services in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas. Our devotion 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 Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today at 954-736-4314 to schedule our quality services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!