10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioning equipment works hard to keep you cool, especially on hot days during the summer. Unfortunately, many people get snookered by several air conditioning myths, causing them to spend money they shouldn't. Let’s debunk these myths to help you make informed actions when using your air conditioning this summer in San Antonio.

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

One of the main untrue assumptions is that size doesn’t matter or a bigger AC is always better. The reality is an oversized unit can’t adequately remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off very fast. This short cycling, consequently, contributes to higher energy costs.

Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a large 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

Surprisingly, setting your thermostat to an extremely 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, irrespective of how low you set the thermostat. There’s no benefit to opting for an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes larger energy bills and decreased comfort.

Myth 3: Raising the Temperature While You’re Away Costs More Than Keeping It Steady

The belief that it’s less expensive to keep a consistent temperature all day is a myth. Actually, setting your thermostat 7-10 degrees higher when you’re out of the house 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 increase savings without giving up 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 decrease the temperature. Instead, 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 loses needless energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to enhance 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 place in your home where you install the thermostat can significantly impact cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can cause false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than it should. The best 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 Fine to Only Change the Air Filter Once a Year

While some high-end media filters last up to a year, most standard air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more electricity. On the other hand, regular filter changes extend the life of your unit and maintain efficiency.

Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important

Like any other home appliance, your air conditioner should undergo regular maintenance to facilitate maximum performance and longevity. Overlooking 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 does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often have 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. Planning an air conditioning installation is easier 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 costly miscalculation. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to confirm you’ve found a team with the experience and skills to provide reliable service.

Myth 10: Working with a Small Business Is Always Better

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

Contact San Antonio Air Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in San Antonio

Now that you understand the benefit of educating yourself and only employing a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about getting in touch with San Antonio Air Service Experts. We provide excellent HVAC services in San Antonio and surrounding communities. Our dedication 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 San Antonio Air Service Experts today at 210-570-9705 to schedule our reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!