Your air conditioning equipment works hard to keep you comfortable, especially on hot and sweltering days. Unfortunately, many people believe many air conditioning myths, causing an unnecessary strain on their wallets. Let’s get to the bottom of these myths to help you make informed choices when using your air conditioning this summer in the Wasatch Front region.
Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter
One of the main misunderstandings is that size doesn’t matter or it's always best to choose the AC with the largest cooling capacity. The fact is a great big unit can’t adequately remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off very fast. This short cycling, consequently, contributes to more expensive energy costs.
Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a huge space, resulting in comfort problems, needless wear and tear and premature failure. For these reasons, you should always think about 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
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, regardless of how low you set the thermostat. There’s no advantage to opting for 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 belief that it’s less expensive to uphold a consistent temperature all day is a myth. In reality, setting your thermostat 7-10 degrees higher when you’re away for eight hours a day can save up to 10 percent on your cooling bills. This is because your AC 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 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 really bring down the temperature. Rather, they work by blowing air onto your skin, producing a wind chill effect. For that reason, even though ceiling fans don't cost very much to use, 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 thermostat’s location can substantially influence cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can result in false readings, making your AC work harder than it should. The ideal place 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 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 common air filters need to be replaced every 30-90 days. Plugged filters choke off airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more power. On the other hand, regular filter changes lengthen the life of your unit and preserve efficiency.
Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important
Like any other home appliance, your air conditioner needs regular maintenance to encourage optimal performance and longevity. Neglecting this can allow undetected issues, causing inopportune breakdowns, expensive 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 experience a major reduction in energy efficiency. While regular maintenance and proactive repairs can stretch out your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a total breakdown to consider air conditioning replacement. A scheduled AC replacement 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 a high-priced error. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to ensure 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 commendable, this doesn’t always mean they offer premium service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and extensive expertise to tackle your needs efficiently.
Contact Barlow Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in the Wasatch Front region
Now that you understand the value of educating yourself and only selecting a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about calling Barlow Service Experts. We provide superior HVAC services in the Wasatch Front region and surrounding neighborhoods. Our devotion to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Reach out to the team at Barlow Service Experts today at 801-436-8985 to schedule our reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!