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 believe several air conditioning myths, costing them money. Let’s debunk these myths to help you make informed choices when using your air conditioning 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 a bigger AC is always better. The simple truth is an oversized unit can’t effectively remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, in turn, causes higher energy costs.

Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a huge space, resulting in a warmer home than you probably prefer, avoidable 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 an extremely low temperature doesn’t cool your home a lot faster. Your AC works at a steady pace and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, irrespective of how low you set the temperature. There’s no benefit to opting for an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes greater energy bills and reduced comfort.

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

The thinking that it’s less costly to maintain a consistent temperature all day is a myth. Actually, 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 run so 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 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 really decrease the temperature. Rather, they work by blowing air over your skin, creating a wind chill effect. That is why even though ceiling fans only cost pennies to run, leaving them running in empty rooms squanders 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 thermostat’s location can substantially influence cooling efficiency. Installing it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can trigger false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than necessary. The best location 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, the vast majority of standard air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more power. 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 cooling system should undergo scheduled maintenance to promote superior performance and longevity. Neglecting this can lead to undetected issues, causing troublesome 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 does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often experience a major decrease in energy efficiency. While regular maintenance and proactive repairs can stretch out your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a catastrophic breakdown to upgrade to a new unit. Arranging for installation of a new air conditioning system is less stressful 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 an expensive mistake. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to confirm you’ve found a business 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 applaudable, this doesn’t necessarily mean they offer superior service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a wide range of expertise to tackle your needs efficiently.

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

Now that you realize the importance of educating yourself and only hiring a respected HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide exceptional 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!