Your AC works hard to keep you refreshed and cool, especially on hot days during the summer. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to various air conditioning myths, costing them money. Let’s get to the bottom of these myths to help you make informed decisions when running your air conditioner this summer in Knoxville.
Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter
One of the main misconceptions is that size doesn’t matter or a bigger AC is always better. The reality is a great big 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 more expensive 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, needless wear and tear and premature failure. For these reasons, you should always take into account 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 more quickly. Your AC works at a steady pace 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 decreased comfort.
Myth 3: Raising the Temperature While You’re Away Costs More Than Keeping It Steady
The belief that it’s less expensive to maintain a consistent temperature all day is a misconception. In reality, 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 costs. This is because your air conditioning doesn’t have to run so hard47 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 giving up 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. Actually, they work by blowing air onto your skin, creating a wind chill effect. That is why even though ceiling fans cost very little to run, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to enhance comfort, but don't forget to turn them off when you leave.
Myth 5: It Doesn’t Matter Where You Install the Thermostat
Contrary to popular belief, the place you put the thermostat can dramatically influence cooling efficiency. Putting it near heat sources such as windows, lamps and appliances can cause false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than it should. The best 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 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. Plugged filters reduce airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more electricity. Alternatively, regular filter changes prolong the life of your unit and protect efficiency.
Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important
Like any other home appliance, your AC unit needs scheduled maintenance to facilitate superior performance and longevity. Overlooking this can result in undetected issues, causing troublesome breakdowns, high-priced repairs and premature replacements.
Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Breaks Down for the Final Time
You may hear this advice about cars, but it does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often experience 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 full-blown breakdown to replace it. Arranging for 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
Choosing a contractor without doing your research could be an expensive mistake. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to ensure you’ve found a team 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 commendable, 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 R & M Climate Control Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Knoxville
Now that you know the benefit of educating yourself and only employing a trusted HVAC professional, you can feel good about calling R & M Climate Control Service Experts. We provide superior HVAC services in Knoxville and surrounding communities. 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 skilled crew at R & M Climate Control Service Experts today at 865-229-6176 to schedule our reputable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!