10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your AC works hard to keep you refreshed and cool, especially on hot and sweltering days. 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 actions when using your air conditioning this summer in Concord.

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

One of the main misconceptions is that size doesn’t matter or the biggest possible AC unit is the best. The fact is an oversized unit can’t effectively remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, in turn, leads to increased energy costs.

Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a large space, resulting in comfort problems, unnecessary wear and tear and a shortened life span for your unit. For these reasons, you should always consider 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

Surprisingly, setting your thermostat to an extremely low temperature doesn’t cool your home 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 temperature. There’s no advantage to selecting 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 thinking that it’s less expensive to maintain a consistent temperature all day is a myth. In reality, 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 AC 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 actually bring down the temperature. Actually, they work by blowing air across your skin, generating a wind chill effect. Therefore, even though ceiling fans cost very little to operate, 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 thermostat’s location can substantially impact cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources such as windows, lamps and appliances can result in false readings, making your air conditioning work harder than required. 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 multiple 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, most common air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more power. On the other hand, regular filter changes prolong 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 routine maintenance to facilitate optimal performance and longevity. Neglecting this can lead to 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 advice about cars, but it does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often undergo a severe reduction in energy efficiency. While regular maintenance and proactive repairs can extend your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a catastrophic breakdown to replace it. Planning an AC replacement 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

Employing a contractor without doing your research could be a high-priced miscalculation. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to ensure 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 supporting local small businesses is commendable, 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 Freschi Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Concord

Now that you know the benefit of educating yourself and only hiring a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about getting in touch with Freschi Service Experts. We provide superior HVAC services in Concord and surrounding communities. Our devotion to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Reach out to the team at Freschi Service Experts today at 925-384-1303 to schedule our reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!