Your air conditioning equipment works hard to keep you cool, especially on hot days during the summer. Unfortunately, many people believe several air conditioning myths, costing them money. Let’s debunk these myths to help you make informed choices when using your air conditioning this summer in Edmonton.
Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter
One of the most significant misconceptions is that size doesn’t matter or a bigger AC is always better. The fact is an extremely large unit can’t adequately remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off so rapidly. This short cycling, as a result, leads to more expensive 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 take into account 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
Interestingly, setting your thermostat to an extremely low temperature doesn’t cool your home faster. Your AC works at a set rate and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, irrespective of how low you set the thermostat. There’s no value in choosing an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes greater 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 costly to keep 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 costs. This is because your air conditioner doesn’t have to operate as often 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 give the perception you're cooler, but they don’t actually lower the temperature. Instead, they work by blowing air across your skin, generating a wind chill effect. That is why even though ceiling fans don't cost very much to run, leaving them running in empty rooms squanders energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to increase comfort, but keep in mind you should always 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 significantly influence cooling efficiency. Putting it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can trigger false readings, making your air conditioning 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 a number of 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 traditional air filters need to be replaced every 30-90 days. Plugged filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more power. 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 AC unit needs routine maintenance to promote superior performance and longevity. Neglecting this can result in undetected issues, causing inopportune 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 advice about cars, but it isn't true when you're talking about air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often undergo a severe reduction in energy efficiency. While regular maintenance and proactive repairs can lengthen your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a complete breakdown to replace it. Planning an AC replacement is more convenient 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 miscalculation. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to confirm you’ve found a business with the experience and skills to provide reliable service.
Myth 10: Working with a Small Business Is Always Better
While being a patron of local small businesses is admirable, this doesn’t always 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 Edmonton
Now that you know the value of educating yourself and only hiring a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about getting in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide excellent HVAC services in Edmonton and surrounding neighborhoods. Our devotion to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Contact the experienced pros at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today at 587-404-0790 to schedule our reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!