10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money
Your air conditioner works hard to keep you comfortable, especially during the summer heat. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to several air conditioning myths, costing them money. Let’s get to the bottom 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 misconceptions is that size doesn’t matter or it’s always best to choose the AC with the largest cooling capacity. The truth is a great big unit can’t properly remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, in turn, leads to higher energy costs.
Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a really big space, resulting in comfort problems, unnecessary wear and tear and can also shorten the life span of your AC. For these reasons, you should always take into account your home’s square footage and other factors that impact 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 a lot faster. 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 it. There’s no value in opting for an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes larger energy bills and reduced comfort.
Myth 3: Raising the Temperature While You’re Away Costs More Than Keeping It Steady
The perception that it’s less expensive to keep a consistent temperature all day is a misconception. 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 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 maximize savings without sacrificing comfort.
Myth 4: Running the Ceiling Fans 24/7 Keeps the House Cooler
Ceiling fans make a room feel cooler, but they don’t actually bring down the temperature. Rather, they work by blowing air onto your skin, producing a wind chill effect. That is why even though ceiling fans cost very little to operate, leaving them running in empty rooms squanders energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to improve comfort, but keep in mind you should always turn 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 significantly impact cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can cause false readings, making your air conditioning work harder than required. The ideal 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 optimal 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, nearly all standard air filters need to be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more power. Conversely, regular filter changes prolong the life of your unit and maintain efficiency.
Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important
Like any other home appliance, your cooling system requires routine maintenance to facilitate optimal performance and longevity. Disregarding this can lead to undetected issues, causing troublesome breakdowns, costly repairs and premature replacements.
Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Dies
You may hear this information about cars, but it does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often undergo a drastic reduction in energy efficiency. While scheduled maintenance and proactive repairs can lengthen your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a catastrophic breakdown to replace it. Planning an 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
Employing a contractor without doing your research could be a high-priced miscalculation. 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 supporting local small businesses is commendable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer premium} service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a wide range of expertise to address your needs efficiently.
Contact McKinley Heating Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Edmonton
Now that you know the value of educating yourself and only selecting a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about getting in touch with McKinley Heating Service Experts. We provide exceptional HVAC services in Edmonton and surrounding areas. Our dedication to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Reach out to the team at McKinley Heating Service Experts today at 780-800-7092 to schedule our quality services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!
