10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioner works hard to keep you refreshed and cool, especially on hot and sweltering days. Unfortunately, many people believe 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 Longmont.

Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter

One of the main misconceptions is that size doesn’t matter or the biggest possible AC unit is the best. The fact is an extremely large unit can’t properly remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, in turn, leads to higher energy costs.

Conversely, 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 can also shorten the life span of your AC. 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

Surprisingly, setting your thermostat to a very low temperature doesn’t cool your home a lot 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 it. There’s no advantage to selecting 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 cheaper to uphold a consistent temperature all day is not true. 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 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 maximize 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 truly decrease the temperature. Rather, they work by blowing air across your skin, generating a wind chill effect. For that reason, even though ceiling fans only cost pennies to use, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to increase comfort, but keep in mind you should always 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 significantly 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 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 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 standard air filters should be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters reduce airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more energy. Conversely, regular filter changes extend the life of your unit and maintain efficiency.

Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important

Like any other home appliance, your air conditioner requires routine maintenance to facilitate maximum performance and longevity. Neglecting this can allow undetected issues, causing inconvenient breakdowns, expensive 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 major decrease in energy efficiency. While scheduled maintenance and proactive repairs can stretch out your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a full-blown breakdown to upgrade to a new unit. Planning an installation of a new air conditioning system 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

Hiring 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 team with the experience and skills to provide dependable service.

Myth 10: Working with a Small Business Is Always Better

While being a patron of local small businesses is commendable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer superior 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 Longmont

Now that you realize the value of educating yourself and only selecting a trusted HVAC professional, you can feel good about getting in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide exceptional HVAC services in Longmont and surrounding areas. Our dedication to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Reach out to the skilled crew at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today at 303-647-5749 to schedule our quality services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!