10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your AC works hard to keep you comfortable, especially on hot and sweltering days. Unfortunately, many people believe many air conditioning myths, costing them money. Let’s get to the truth of 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 biggest misconceptions is that size doesn’t matter or the biggest possible AC unit is the best. The simple truth is an oversized unit can’t properly remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, as a result, leads to higher energy costs.

Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a huge space, resulting in comfort problems, avoidable 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 a very 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 the temperature. There’s no benefit to choosing 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 belief that it’s cheaper to uphold a consistent temperature all day is not true. 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 bills. This is because your AC doesn’t have to work as hard 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 sacrificing 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 decrease the temperature. Rather, they work by blowing air across your skin, generating a wind chill effect. That is why even though ceiling fans don’t cost very much to run, leaving them running in empty rooms wastes 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 dramatically affect cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can trigger false readings, making your air conditioning work harder than required. The ideal spot 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 Acceptable to Only Change the Air Filter Once a Year

While some high-end media filters last up to a year, most standard air filters need to be replaced every 30-90 days. Dirty filters reduce airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more power. On the other hand, regular filter changes extend 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 routine maintenance to promote optimal performance and longevity. Overlooking this can lead to undetected issues, causing inopportune breakdowns, expensive repairs and premature replacements.

Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Dies

You may hear this information about cars, but it isn’t true when you’re talking about air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often experience a drastic decrease in energy efficiency. While regular maintenance and proactive repairs can stretch out your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a complete breakdown to upgrade to a new unit. Arranging for AC replacement is more convenient 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 miscalculation. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to make sure 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 shopping at local small businesses is applaudable, this doesn’t necessarily mean they offer premium} 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 understand the value of educating yourself and only selecting a respected HVAC professional, you can feel good about calling Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide excellent 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. Contact the skilled crew at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today at 954-736-4314 to schedule our reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!