10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioning equipment works hard to keep you refreshed and cool, especially during the summer heat. Unfortunately, many people get snookered by various air conditioning myths, costing them money. Let’s get to the truth of these myths to help you make informed decisions when cooling your home this summer in Savannah.

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

One of the main misunderstandings is that size doesn’t matter or a bigger AC is always better. The truth 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 more expensive energy costs.

Having said that, a small unit must work harder to cool a large space, resulting in trouble getting your home as cool as you like, unnecessary wear and tear and premature failure. For these reasons, you should always take into account 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

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, no matter how low you set the thermostat. There’s no advantage to choosing an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes greater 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 cheaper to uphold 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 conditioner 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 increase savings without losing comfort.

Myth 4: Running the Ceiling Fans 24/7 Keeps the House Cooler

Ceiling fans make a room feel cooler, but they don’t truly lower the temperature. Actually, they work by blowing air over your skin, creating a wind chill effect. That is why even though ceiling fans don't cost very much to run, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to increase comfort, but keep in mind you should always 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 substantially influence cooling efficiency. Putting it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can cause false readings, making your AC work harder than required. 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 numerous 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 standard air filters need to be replaced every 30-90 days. Plugged filters reduce airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more energy. Alternatively, 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 cooling system should undergo scheduled maintenance to promote maximum performance and longevity. Neglecting this can result in 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 advice about cars, but it does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often experience a drastic reduction in energy efficiency. While scheduled maintenance and proactive repairs can stretch out your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a catastrophic breakdown to replace it. Arranging for installation of a new air conditioning system 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

Choosing a contractor without doing your research could be a high-priced 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 admirable, this doesn’t necessarily mean they offer premium service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a broad range of expertise to address your needs efficiently.

Contact Coastal Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Savannah

Now that you know the importance of educating yourself and only hiring a respected HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting Coastal Service Experts. We provide superior HVAC services in Savannah and surrounding communities. Our commitment to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Reach out to the skilled crew at Coastal Service Experts today at 912-208-2399 to schedule our reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!