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 believe many air conditioning myths, causing them to spend money they shouldn’t. Let’s get to the truth of these myths to help you make informed choices when running your air conditioner this summer in Edmonton.
Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter
One of the most significant misunderstandings is that size doesn’t matter or a bigger AC is always better. The simple truth is an extremely large unit can’t adequately remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, in turn, contributes to higher energy costs.
Having said that, a small unit must work harder to cool a huge space, resulting in trouble getting your home as cool as you like, avoidable wear and tear and a shortened life span for your unit. 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 lower temperature doesn’t cool your home faster. Your AC works at a set rate and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, irrespective of how low you set it. There’s no advantage to opting for 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 belief that it’s less costly to keep 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 bills. This is because your air conditioning 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 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 really bring down the temperature. Actually, they work by blowing air onto your skin, producing 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 remember to turn 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. Installing it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can cause false readings, making your air conditioning work harder than necessary. The most useful 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 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, the vast majority of standard air filters need to be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters choke off airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more electricity. Conversely, regular filter changes extend 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 promote optimal performance and longevity. Neglecting this can allow undetected issues, causing troublesome 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 tip about cars, but it doesn’t apply to air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often have a major reduction in energy efficiency. While routine maintenance and proactive repairs can extend your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a complete breakdown to consider air conditioning replacement. Arranging for 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
Hiring a contractor without doing your research could be an expensive mistake. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to confirm 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 admirable, this doesn’t always mean they offer better} service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a broad range of expertise to tackle your needs efficiently.
Contact Rob's Albertan Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Edmonton
Now that you know the value of educating yourself and only selecting a trusted HVAC professional, you can feel good about getting in touch with Rob's Albertan Service Experts. We provide exceptional HVAC services in Edmonton and surrounding areas. Our commitment to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Contact the skilled crew at Rob's Albertan Service Experts today at 780-800-9047 to schedule our quality services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!
