10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your AC works hard to keep you refreshed and cool, especially on hot and sweltering days. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to various air conditioning myths, causing an unnecessary strain on their wallets. Let’s debunk 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 it’s always best to choose the AC with the largest cooling capacity. The reality is an oversized unit can’t effectively remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off very fast. This short cycling, as a result, leads to higher energy costs.

Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a really big 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 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

Interestingly, setting your thermostat to an extremely 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 thermostat. There’s no advantage to opting for an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes larger energy bills and decreased comfort.

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

The perception that it’s less costly to uphold a consistent temperature all day is a misconception. The truth is, 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 run so 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 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 lower the temperature. Actually, they work by blowing air across your skin, creating 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 increase comfort, but remember to 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 substantially influence cooling efficiency. Putting it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can trigger false readings, making your AC work harder than it should. 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 OK to Only Change the Air Filter Once a Year

While some high-end media filters last up to a year, nearly all traditional air filters need to be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more energy. On the other hand, regular filter changes extend the life of your unit and preserve efficiency.

Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important

Like any other home appliance, your air conditioner requires routine maintenance to promote superior performance and longevity. Disregarding this can result in undetected issues, causing inconvenient breakdowns, high-priced 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 doesn’t apply to air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often undergo a major drop in energy efficiency. While regular maintenance and proactive repairs can extend your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a catastrophic breakdown to consider air conditioning replacement. Arranging for 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

Hiring a contractor without doing your research could be a high-priced mistake. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to make sure 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 being a patron of local small businesses is admirable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer better} service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a wide range of expertise to address your needs efficiently.

Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Fort Lauderdale

Now that you understand the importance of educating yourself and only hiring a trusted HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide excellent HVAC services in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding neighborhoods. Our devotion to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Reach out to the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today at 954-736-4314 to schedule our reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!