10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioning equipment works hard to keep you comfortable, especially on hot and sweltering days. Unfortunately, many people get snookered by many air conditioning myths, causing an unnecessary strain on their wallets. 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 untrue assumptions is that size doesn’t matter or it’s always best to choose the AC with the largest cooling capacity. The truth is an oversized unit can’t effectively remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off very fast. This short cycling, consequently, causes increased energy costs.

Having said that, 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 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

Surprisingly, setting your thermostat to a very low temperature doesn’t cool your home faster. Your AC works at a steady pace and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, no matter how low you set the temperature. There’s no benefit to selecting an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes larger 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 less expensive to keep 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 costs. 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 give the perception you’re cooler, but they don’t truly decrease the temperature. Instead, they work by blowing air over your skin, generating a wind chill effect. That is why even though ceiling fans don’t cost very much to use, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless 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 thermostat’s location can dramatically impact cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources such as windows, lamps and appliances can result in false readings, making your air conditioning work harder than required. The ideal 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 optimal 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, the vast majority of common air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters reduce 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 scheduled maintenance to promote superior performance and longevity. Neglecting this can result in 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 information about cars, but it does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often have a major reduction in energy efficiency. While routine maintenance and proactive repairs can extend your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a total breakdown to replace it. Planning an air conditioning installation 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 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 applaudable, this doesn’t necessarily mean they offer premium} 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 Fort Lauderdale

Now that you realize the value of educating yourself and only selecting a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about calling Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide exceptional HVAC services in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding communities. Our commitment to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Reach out to the experienced pros at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today at 954-736-4314 to schedule our reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!