10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money
Your AC works hard to keep you cool, especially on hot days during the summer. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to many air conditioning myths, costing them money. Let’s debunk these myths to help you make informed decisions when running your air conditioner this summer in Fort Lauderdale.
Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter
One of the biggest misunderstandings is that size doesn’t matter or the biggest possible AC unit is the best. The fact is an oversized unit can’t effectively remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off very fast. This short cycling, in turn, causes increased energy costs.
Having said that, a small unit must work harder to cool a huge space, resulting in trouble getting your home as cool as you like, avoidable 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 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 more quickly. 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 it. There’s no value in 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 thinking that it’s less expensive to uphold a consistent temperature all day is not true. 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 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 make it seem like a room is cooler, but they don’t actually lower the temperature. Actually, they work by blowing air across your skin, producing a wind chill effect. Therefore, even though ceiling fans only cost pennies to operate, leaving them running in empty rooms squanders energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to improve comfort, but remember to power them off when you leave.
Myth 5: It Doesn’t Matter Where You Install the Thermostat
Contrary to popular belief, the place in your home where you install the thermostat can significantly influence cooling efficiency. Installing it near heat sources such as windows, lamps and appliances can cause false readings, making your air conditioning work harder than necessary. The most useful place for the thermostat is a central location away from direct light and heat. You might even consider zoning your home with numerous thermostats for maximum 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, most 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 protect 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. Disregarding this can lead to undetected issues, causing inconvenient breakdowns, expensive repairs and premature replacements.
Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Gives Out Completely
You may hear this advice about cars, but it does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often have a severe decrease in energy efficiency. While regular maintenance and proactive repairs can lengthen your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a complete breakdown to upgrade to a new unit. A scheduled AC replacement 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
Hiring a contractor without doing your research could be a costly miscalculation. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to make sure 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 being a patron of local small businesses is admirable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer superior service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and extensive 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 hiring a trusted HVAC professional, you can feel good about getting in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide exceptional 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 quality services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!