10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioning equipment works hard to keep you cool, especially on hot and sweltering days. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to various air conditioning myths, costing them money. Let’s debunk these myths to help you make informed choices when cooling your home this summer in Clearwater.

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

One of the main misunderstandings is that size doesn’t matter or the biggest possible AC unit is the best. The fact is an oversized unit can’t effectively remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off so rapidly. This short cycling, consequently, contributes to increased energy costs.

Having said that, a small unit must work harder to cool a really big space, resulting in a warmer home than you probably prefer, unnecessary 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

Oddly, setting your thermostat to an extremely low temperature doesn’t cool your home more quickly. Your AC works at the same speed no matter what and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, irrespective of how low you set the thermostat. There’s no value in 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 less costly to uphold a consistent temperature all day is not true. The truth is, 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 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 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 actually bring down the temperature. Rather, they work by blowing air onto your skin, generating a wind chill effect. For that reason, even though ceiling fans don't cost very much to use, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless 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 dramatically affect cooling efficiency. Putting it near heat sources such as windows, lamps and appliances can result in false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than it should. The most useful spot for the thermostat is a central location away from direct light and heat. You might even consider zoning your home with multiple thermostats for the most 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, most common air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Plugged filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more power. On the other hand, regular filter changes prolong the life of your unit and protect efficiency.

Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important

Like any other home appliance, your cooling system should undergo scheduled maintenance to promote maximum performance and longevity. Neglecting this can allow undetected issues, causing inopportune breakdowns, costly 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 doesn’t apply to air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often undergo a major drop in energy efficiency. While regular maintenance and proactive repairs can stretch out your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a catastrophic breakdown to replace it. A scheduled AC replacement 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

Choosing a contractor without doing your research could be a high-priced error. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to make sure you’ve found a company with the experience and skills to provide dependable service.

Myth 10: Working with a Small Business Is Always Better

While shopping at local small businesses is commendable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer premium service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a broad range of expertise to address your needs efficiently.

Contact Midway Services for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Clearwater

Now that you understand the benefit of educating yourself and only employing a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about calling Midway Services. We provide exceptional HVAC services in Clearwater and surrounding areas. Our dedication to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Contact the team at Midway Services today at 727-219-2471 to schedule our reputable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!