10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money
Your air conditioning equipment works hard to keep you cool, especially on hot and sweltering days. Unfortunately, many people believe many air conditioning myths, costing them money. Let’s debunk these myths to help you make informed actions when running your air conditioner this summer in Edmonton.
Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter
One of the biggest untrue assumptions is that size doesn’t matter or a bigger AC is always better. The fact is an oversized unit can’t properly remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, as a result, causes increased energy costs.
On the other hand, 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 a shortened life span for your unit. For these reasons, you should always think about 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
Surprisingly, 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, regardless of how low you set it. There’s no value in choosing an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes higher energy bills and diminished comfort.
Myth 3: Raising the Temperature While You’re Away Costs More Than Keeping It Steady
The perception that it’s less expensive to keep a consistent temperature all day is a myth. 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 expenses. 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 sacrificing 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 actually bring down the temperature. Actually, they work by blowing air over your skin, generating a wind chill effect. Therefore, even though ceiling fans cost very little to use, leaving them running in empty rooms squanders energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to enhance 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 affect cooling efficiency. Installing it near heat sources such as windows, lamps and appliances can trigger false readings, making your AC work harder than necessary. The best 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 OK to Only Change the Air Filter Once a Year
While some high-end media filters last up to a year, most traditional air filters need to be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters choke off airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more power. 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 cooling system requires regular maintenance to facilitate maximum performance and longevity. Neglecting 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 tip about cars, but it isn’t true when you’re talking about air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often experience a severe decrease in energy efficiency. While scheduled maintenance and proactive repairs can stretch out 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
Employing a contractor without doing your research could be an expensive mistake. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to make sure 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 supporting local small businesses is commendable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer premium} service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a broad range of expertise to address your needs efficiently.
Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Edmonton
Now that you realize the value of educating yourself and only selecting a respected HVAC professional, you can feel good about calling Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide excellent HVAC services in Edmonton and surrounding communities. Our dedication 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 587-404-0790 to schedule our quality services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!