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 get snookered by many air conditioning myths, causing them to spend money they shouldn’t. Let’s debunk these myths to help you make informed actions when cooling your home this summer in Windsor.
Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter
One of the most significant misunderstandings is that size doesn’t matter or a bigger AC is always better. The simple truth is a great big unit can’t properly remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off so rapidly. This short cycling, in turn, 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, needless wear and tear and premature failure. For these reasons, you should always think about 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
Oddly, setting your thermostat to a lower 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 benefit to 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 belief that it’s less expensive to uphold a consistent temperature all day is a misconception. 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 bills. This is because your air conditioning 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 boost 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 truly decrease the temperature. Instead, they work by blowing air across your skin, producing a wind chill effect. For that reason, even though ceiling fans only cost pennies to use, leaving them running in empty rooms wastes energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to enhance comfort, but remember to power 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 dramatically influence cooling efficiency. Putting it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can cause false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than necessary. The best location for the thermostat is a central location away from direct light and heat. You might even consider zoning your home with multiple thermostats for maximum 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 standard air filters should be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters restrict 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 routine maintenance to facilitate superior performance and longevity. Overlooking this can allow undetected issues, causing inopportune breakdowns, high-priced 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 undergo a severe reduction in energy efficiency. While scheduled maintenance and proactive repairs can stretch out your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a complete 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
Employing a contractor without doing your research could be an expensive mistake. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to confirm you’ve found a company with the experience and skills to provide reliable service.
Myth 10: Working with a Small Business Is Always Better
While shopping at local small businesses is admirable, this doesn’t always mean they offer better} service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a broad range of expertise to tackle your needs efficiently.
Contact Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Windsor
Now that you understand the benefit of educating yourself and only employing a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about getting in touch with Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts. We provide excellent HVAC services in Windsor and surrounding communities. Our dedication to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Get in touch with the team at Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts today at 226-773-3357 to schedule our quality services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!