10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money
Your air conditioning equipment works hard to keep you cool, especially on hot and sweltering days. Unfortunately, many people get snookered by various air conditioning myths, costing them money. Let’s get to the truth of these myths to help you make informed actions when using your air conditioning this summer in Raleigh.
Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter
One of the main misunderstandings is that size doesn’t matter or the biggest possible AC unit is the best. The fact is a great big unit can’t effectively remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, as a result, contributes to higher energy costs.
On the other hand, a small unit must work harder to cool a huge space, resulting in comfort problems, avoidable wear and tear and can also shorten the life span of your AC. For these reasons, you should always take into account 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
Oddly, setting your thermostat to a very low temperature doesn’t cool your home faster. Your AC works at a set rate and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, regardless of how low you set the thermostat. There’s no value in choosing 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 perception that it’s cheaper to keep a consistent temperature all day is a myth. The truth is, setting your thermostat 7-10 degrees higher when you’re away for eight hours a day can save up to 10 percent on your cooling costs. 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 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. Actually, they work by blowing air across your skin, creating a wind chill effect. For that reason, even though ceiling fans don't cost very much to use, leaving them running in empty rooms squanders energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to increase comfort, but keep in mind you should always switch 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 significantly influence cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can trigger false readings, making your AC work harder than it should. The ideal 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 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 common air filters need to be replaced every 30-90 days. Plugged filters choke off airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more energy. Conversely, regular filter changes lengthen the life of your unit and maintain efficiency.
Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important
Like any other home appliance, your AC unit should undergo regular maintenance to facilitate maximum performance and longevity. Neglecting this can result in undetected issues, causing inopportune 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 undergo a severe reduction in energy efficiency. While regular maintenance and proactive repairs can lengthen your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a full-blown breakdown to replace it. Planning an 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
Hiring a contractor without doing your research could be a high-priced mistake. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to ensure you’ve found a company with the experience and skills to provide reliable service.
Myth 10: Working with a Small Business Is Always Better
While supporting local small businesses is applaudable, this doesn’t always mean they offer superior 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 Raleigh
Now that you know the importance of educating yourself and only selecting a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide excellent HVAC services in Raleigh and surrounding neighborhoods. Our commitment 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 919-578-4329 to schedule our quality services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!
