10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioning equipment works hard to keep you cool, especially on hot days during the summer. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to many 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 using your air conditioning this summer in Fort Lauderdale.

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 simple truth is an extremely large unit can’t properly remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off so rapidly. This short cycling, in turn, causes increased energy costs.

Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a huge space, resulting in trouble getting your home as cool as you like, unnecessary wear and tear and premature failure. For these reasons, you should always take into account 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

Oddly, setting your thermostat to an extremely low 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, regardless of how low you set the thermostat. There’s no value in selecting 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 maintain a consistent temperature all day is a myth. The truth is, 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 expenses. 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 boost savings without losing 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 bring down the temperature. Instead, they work by blowing air across your skin, generating a wind chill effect. For that reason, even though ceiling fans cost very little to run, leaving them running in empty rooms squanders energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to enhance comfort, but remember to turn 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 dramatically impact cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources like 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 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, the vast majority of standard air filters should be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more energy. Conversely, regular filter changes extend the life of your unit and protect efficiency.

Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important

Like any other home appliance, your air conditioner should undergo regular maintenance to encourage optimal performance and longevity. Overlooking this can result in undetected issues, causing troublesome breakdowns, costly repairs and premature replacements.

Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Gives Out Completely

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 have a drastic drop in energy efficiency. While regular maintenance and proactive repairs can stretch out your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a total breakdown to upgrade to a new unit. Planning an installation of a new air conditioning system is easier and lets you tap into the next generation of features and performance improvements.

Myth 9: It Doesn’t Matter What HVAC Contractor You Hire

Employing a contractor without doing your research could be a costly miscalculation. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to confirm 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 supporting local small businesses is applaudable, this doesn’t necessarily mean they offer better} 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 realize the benefit of educating yourself and only selecting a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting 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. Get in touch with 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!