10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioner works hard to keep you cool, especially during the summer heat. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to various 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 cooling your home this summer in Dayton.

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 an extremely large unit can’t adequately remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off so rapidly. This short cycling, consequently, leads to higher energy costs.

Having said that, a small unit must work harder to cool a large space, resulting in a warmer home than you probably prefer, avoidable wear and tear and premature failure. 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

Oddly, setting your thermostat to a lower temperature doesn’t cool your home a lot faster. Your AC works at a set rate and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, irrespective of how low you set the thermostat. There’s no advantage to selecting an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes greater energy bills and decreased comfort.

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

The belief that it’s less costly to uphold a consistent temperature all day is a misconception. In reality, setting your thermostat 7-10 degrees higher when you’re not home 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 maximize savings without sacrificing comfort.

Myth 4: Running the Ceiling Fans 24/7 Keeps the House Cooler

Ceiling fans make a room feel cooler, but they don’t really lower the temperature. Instead, they work by blowing air across your skin, creating a wind chill effect. Therefore, even though ceiling fans only cost pennies to operate, leaving them running in empty rooms wastes energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to enhance comfort, but don't forget 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 affect cooling efficiency. Installing it near heat sources such as windows, lamps and appliances can result in false readings, making your air conditioner 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 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, nearly all common air filters should be replaced every 30-90 days. Dirty filters choke off airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more electricity. Conversely, regular filter changes lengthen the life of your unit and preserve efficiency.

Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important

Like any other home appliance, your cooling system should undergo regular maintenance to promote superior performance and longevity. Overlooking this can lead to undetected issues, causing troublesome breakdowns, expensive 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 does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often have a severe decrease in energy efficiency. While routine maintenance and proactive repairs can stretch out your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a catastrophic breakdown to replace it. Arranging for 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

Hiring a contractor without doing your research could be an expensive error. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to ensure you’ve found a company 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 always mean they offer superior service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a wide range of expertise to tackle your needs efficiently.

Contact Stevenson Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Dayton

Now that you realize the value of educating yourself and only employing a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about getting in touch with Stevenson Service Experts. We provide exceptional HVAC services in Dayton and surrounding neighborhoods. Our commitment to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Reach out to the team at Stevenson Service Experts today at 937-503-7896 to schedule our reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!