10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioner works hard to keep you refreshed and cool, especially on hot days during the summer. Unfortunately, many people believe many 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 using your air conditioning this summer in Fort Lauderdale.

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

One of the most significant misconceptions is that size doesn’t matter or a bigger AC is always better. The fact is an extremely large unit can’t adequately remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, in turn, contributes to increased energy costs.

On the other hand, a small unit must work harder to cool a huge space, resulting in a warmer home than you probably prefer, unnecessary wear and tear and a shortened life span for your unit. 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 an extremely low temperature doesn’t cool your home faster. Your AC works at the same speed no matter what and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, regardless of how low you set the thermostat. There’s no advantage to choosing an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes higher energy bills and diminished comfort.

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

The thinking 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 out of the house for eight hours a day can save up to 10 percent on your cooling expenses. This is because your AC 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 losing 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 lower the temperature. Rather, they work by blowing air over your skin, producing a wind chill effect. For that reason, even though ceiling fans cost very little to use, leaving them running in empty rooms squanders 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 dramatically influence cooling efficiency. Installing it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can cause false readings, making your air conditioning work harder than it should. The ideal location 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 common air filters should be replaced every 30-90 days. Plugged filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more electricity. Conversely, regular filter changes prolong the life of your unit and preserve efficiency.

Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important

Like any other home appliance, your AC unit should undergo routine maintenance to facilitate maximum performance and longevity. Neglecting this can allow undetected issues, causing inopportune breakdowns, high-priced repairs and premature replacements.

Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Breaks Down for the Final Time

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 have a major reduction in energy efficiency. While routine maintenance and proactive repairs can lengthen your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a complete breakdown to replace it. Planning an air conditioning installation 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

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 dependable service.

Myth 10: Working with a Small Business Is Always Better

While shopping at local small businesses is commendable, this doesn’t always mean they offer better} service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and extensive expertise to tackle your needs efficiently.

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

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