Your AC works hard to keep you refreshed and cool, especially on hot days during the summer. Unfortunately, many people believe various air conditioning myths, causing an unnecessary strain on their wallets. Let’s get to the truth 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 misunderstandings is that size doesn’t matter or the biggest possible AC unit is the best. The truth is an extremely large unit can’t properly remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off so rapidly. This short cycling, in turn, 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, unnecessary wear and tear and can also shorten the life span of your AC. 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
Interestingly, 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, irrespective of how low you set it. There’s no advantage to opting for an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes larger energy bills and decreased comfort.
Myth 3: Raising the Temperature While You’re Away Costs More Than Keeping It Steady
The belief that it’s cheaper to keep a consistent temperature all day is a myth. Actually, 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 hard47 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 truly bring down the temperature. Instead, they work by blowing air across your skin, producing a wind chill effect. Therefore, even though ceiling fans cost very little to operate, leaving them running in empty rooms squanders energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to enhance comfort, but keep in mind you should always power 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 substantially affect cooling efficiency. Installing it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can cause 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 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 common air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Plugged filters reduce airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more electricity. On the other hand, 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 cooling system needs scheduled maintenance to promote superior performance and longevity. Overlooking this can result in undetected issues, causing inconvenient breakdowns, high-priced repairs and premature replacements.
Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Breaks Down for the Final Time
You may hear this information about cars, but it does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often have a major reduction in energy efficiency. While routine maintenance and proactive repairs can lengthen your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a catastrophic breakdown to consider air conditioning replacement. Planning an air conditioning installation 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
Choosing a contractor without doing your research could be a high-priced mistake. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to ensure you’ve found a team 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 automatically mean they offer premium service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and extensive expertise to handle your needs efficiently.
Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Calgary
Now that you know the benefit of educating yourself and only selecting a respected HVAC professional, you can feel good about calling Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide exceptional HVAC services in Calgary 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 experienced pros at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today at 403-279-5760 to schedule our reputable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!