10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your AC works hard to keep you refreshed and cool, especially on hot days during the summer. Unfortunately, many people get snookered by various air conditioning myths, costing them money. Let’s get to the bottom 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 biggest misconceptions is that size doesn’t matter or it’s always best to choose the AC with the largest cooling capacity. The simple truth is an oversized unit can’t effectively remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off so rapidly. This short cycling, consequently, leads to increased energy costs.

Having said that, 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 premature failure. For these reasons, you should always think about 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

Surprisingly, setting your thermostat to an extremely low temperature doesn’t cool your home a lot 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 it. There’s no value in 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 perception that it’s less expensive to keep a consistent temperature all day is a myth. 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 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 giving up 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 onto your skin, generating a wind chill effect. That is why even though ceiling fans only cost pennies to operate, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to enhance comfort, but remember to 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. Putting it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can cause 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 a number of 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, nearly all traditional air filters need to be replaced every 30-90 days. Plugged filters reduce airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more energy. 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 needs routine maintenance to encourage optimal performance and longevity. Overlooking this can lead to undetected issues, causing inconvenient 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 doesn’t apply to air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often have a severe reduction in energy efficiency. While routine maintenance and proactive repairs can stretch out your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a complete breakdown to consider air conditioning replacement. A scheduled 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

Choosing a contractor without doing your research could be a high-priced error. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to confirm you’ve found a team with the experience and skills to provide reliable service.

Myth 10: Working with a Small Business Is Always Better

While shopping at local small businesses is admirable, 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 benefit of educating yourself and only employing a trusted HVAC professional, you can feel good about getting in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide superior HVAC services in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding communities. Our dedication to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Contact the experienced pros at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today at 954-736-4314 to schedule our reputable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!

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