10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioner works hard to keep you refreshed and cool, especially on hot days during the summer. Unfortunately, many people believe several air conditioning myths, causing them to spend money they shouldn't. Let’s debunk these myths to help you make informed decisions when running your air conditioner this summer in Louisville.

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

One of the main misconceptions is that size doesn’t matter or it's always best to choose the AC with the largest cooling capacity. The fact is an oversized unit can’t adequately remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, consequently, contributes to more expensive energy costs.

On the other hand, a small unit must work harder to cool a really big space, resulting in comfort problems, 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 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 more quickly. 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 the temperature. There’s no advantage to selecting 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 perception that it’s less expensive to uphold a consistent temperature all day is a misconception. The truth is, setting your thermostat 7-10 degrees higher when you’re away for eight hours a day can save up to 10 percent on your cooling bills. This is because your air conditioner 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 sacrificing comfort.

Myth 4: Running the Ceiling Fans 24/7 Keeps the House Cooler

Ceiling fans make it seem like a room is cooler, but they don’t truly lower the temperature. Actually, they work by blowing air across your skin, creating a wind chill effect. Therefore, even though ceiling fans only cost pennies to operate, leaving them running in empty rooms wastes energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to increase comfort, but keep in mind you should always power 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 dramatically affect cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can trigger false readings, making your air conditioning work harder than necessary. 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 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, the vast majority of common air filters ought 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 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 requires routine maintenance to facilitate optimal performance and longevity. Disregarding this can result in undetected issues, causing inopportune 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 severe decrease in energy efficiency. While regular maintenance and proactive repairs can stretch out your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a full-blown breakdown to replace it. A scheduled installation of a new air conditioning system 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 mistake. 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 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 handle your needs efficiently.

Contact Becht/Givens Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Louisville

Now that you understand the importance of educating yourself and only hiring a respected HVAC professional, you can feel good about getting in touch with Becht/Givens Service Experts. We provide superior HVAC services in Louisville and surrounding communities. 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 skilled crew at Becht/Givens Service Experts today at 502-785-8230 to schedule our quality services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!