10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money
Your air conditioning equipment works hard to keep you comfortable, especially on hot days during the summer. Unfortunately, many people get snookered by many air conditioning myths, causing them to spend money they shouldn’t. Let’s get to the bottom of these myths to help you make informed choices when cooling your home this summer in Calgary.
Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter
One of the most significant untrue assumptions is that size doesn’t matter or a bigger AC is always better. The fact is a great big unit can’t effectively remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off very fast. This short cycling, as a result, contributes to higher 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 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 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 set rate 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 opting for an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes greater energy bills and reduced comfort.
Myth 3: Raising the Temperature While You’re Away Costs More Than Keeping It Steady
The belief that it’s cheaper to uphold a consistent temperature all day is a misconception. 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 costs. This is because your air conditioning 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 boost savings without giving up comfort.
Myth 4: Running the Ceiling Fans 24/7 Keeps the House Cooler
Ceiling fans make a room feel cooler, but they don’t actually bring down the temperature. Rather, they work by blowing air across your skin, generating a wind chill effect. For that reason, even though ceiling fans cost very little to use, leaving them running in empty rooms wastes energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to enhance comfort, but don’t forget 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 significantly impact cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources such as windows, lamps and appliances can trigger false readings, making your air conditioning work harder than necessary. The ideal location 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, the vast majority of standard air filters should be replaced every 30-90 days. Plugged filters reduce airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more electricity. Conversely, regular filter changes prolong the life of your unit and preserve efficiency.
Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important
Like any other home appliance, your air conditioner requires regular maintenance to encourage optimal performance and longevity. Disregarding this can allow undetected issues, causing troublesome breakdowns, high-priced repairs and premature replacements.
Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Gives Out Completely
You may hear this advice about cars, but it does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often have a major drop in energy efficiency. While routine maintenance and proactive repairs can lengthen your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a total breakdown to consider air conditioning replacement. A scheduled installation of a new air conditioning system 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 make sure 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 supporting local small businesses is commendable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer better} service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a wide range of expertise to tackle your needs efficiently.
Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Calgary
Now that you know the value of educating yourself and only employing a respected HVAC professional, you can feel good about getting in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide excellent HVAC services in Calgary and surrounding communities. Our devotion to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Contact the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today at 403-279-5760 to schedule our quality services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!