10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your AC works hard to keep you comfortable, especially during the summer heat. Unfortunately, many people believe many air conditioning myths, causing an unnecessary strain on their wallets. Let’s debunk these myths to help you make informed choices when cooling your home this summer in Canada.

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

One of the biggest untrue assumptions is that size doesn’t matter or the biggest possible AC unit is the best. 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, contributes to increased energy costs.

Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a really big space, resulting in a warmer home than you probably prefer, needless wear and tear and a shortened life span for your unit. 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

Interestingly, setting your thermostat to a lower temperature doesn’t cool your home more quickly. Your AC works at a set rate and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, no matter how low you set the thermostat. There’s no value in opting for 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 less expensive to maintain a consistent temperature all day is a myth. The truth is, 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 increase 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, creating a wind chill effect. For that reason, even though ceiling fans cost very little to use, leaving them running in empty rooms squanders energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to enhance comfort, but remember to power them off when you leave.

Myth 5: It Doesn’t Matter Where You Install the Thermostat

Contrary to popular belief, the place in your home where you install the thermostat can dramatically influence cooling efficiency. Installing it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can trigger false readings, making your air conditioning work harder than required. 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 a number of thermostats for the most comfort and energy savings.

Myth 6: It’s Fine 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. Dirty filters reduce airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more power. Alternatively, 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 air conditioner should undergo regular maintenance to promote optimal performance and longevity. Disregarding this can allow undetected issues, causing troublesome 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 experience a drastic decrease in energy efficiency. While scheduled maintenance and proactive repairs can stretch out your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a total breakdown to upgrade to a new unit. Arranging for air conditioning installation 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 an expensive miscalculation. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to make sure you’ve found a business with the experience and skills to provide dependable service.

Myth 10: Working with a Small Business Is Always Better

While being a patron of 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 Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Canada

Now that you realize the importance of educating yourself and only hiring a trusted HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide exceptional HVAC services in Canada and surrounding areas. Our commitment to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Get in touch with the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today at 866-397-3787 to schedule our reputable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!