10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioner works hard to keep you cool, especially during the summer heat. Unfortunately, many people get snookered by various air conditioning myths, costing them money. Let’s debunk these myths to help you make informed actions when cooling your home this summer in Columbia.

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

One of the biggest misunderstandings is that size doesn’t matter or a bigger AC is always better. The truth is an oversized unit can’t properly remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off so rapidly. This short cycling, in turn, causes more expensive energy costs.

Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a huge space, resulting in a warmer home than you probably prefer, needless wear and tear and premature failure. For these reasons, you should always take into account your home’s square footage and other factors that influence the ideal AC unit size.

Myth 2: Cranking Down the Temperature Cools Your Home Faster

Oddly, setting your thermostat to a very low temperature doesn’t cool your home a lot faster. Your AC works at a set rate and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, regardless of how low you set the thermostat. There’s no value in choosing an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes larger energy bills and diminished comfort.

Myth 3: Raising the Temperature While You’re Away Costs More Than Keeping It Steady

The thinking that it’s less expensive to keep a consistent temperature all day is a myth. 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 air conditioner 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 boost savings without sacrificing 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 really bring down the temperature. Actually, they work by blowing air onto your skin, generating a wind chill effect. That is why even though ceiling fans only cost pennies to run, leaving them running in empty rooms wastes energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to increase comfort, but don't forget to 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 impact cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources such as windows, lamps and appliances can trigger false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than it should. The most useful 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 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, nearly all standard air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters choke off airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more power. Conversely, regular filter changes lengthen the life of your unit and maintain efficiency.

Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important

Like any other home appliance, your air conditioner needs scheduled maintenance to encourage optimal performance and longevity. Disregarding this can lead to undetected issues, causing inopportune breakdowns, expensive repairs and premature replacements.

Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Gives Out Completely

You may hear this tip about cars, but it isn't true when you're talking about air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often experience a severe reduction in energy efficiency. While routine maintenance and proactive repairs can stretch out your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a total breakdown to replace it. 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

Employing a contractor without doing your research could be an expensive error. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to confirm you’ve found a company with the experience and skills to provide trustworthy service.

Myth 10: Working with a Small Business Is Always Better

While shopping at local small businesses is applaudable, this doesn’t always mean they offer better service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and extensive expertise to tackle your needs efficiently.

Contact Midland Air Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Columbia

Now that you understand the importance of educating yourself and only selecting a respected HVAC professional, you can feel good about calling Midland Air Service Experts. We provide excellent HVAC services in Columbia 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 Midland Air Service Experts today at 803-399-7208 to schedule our quality services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!