10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioning equipment works hard to keep you comfortable, especially during the summer heat. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to several air conditioning myths, causing an unnecessary strain on their wallets. Let’s get to the truth of these myths to help you make informed decisions when running your air conditioner this summer in Dallas.

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 truth is a great big unit can’t adequately remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, as a result, leads to higher energy costs.

Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a large space, resulting in comfort problems, needless wear and tear and premature failure. For these reasons, you should always consider your home’s square footage and other factors that affect 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, regardless of how low you set it. There’s no benefit to selecting an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes higher energy bills and reduced comfort.

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

The thinking that it’s cheaper to maintain a consistent temperature all day is not true. 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 costs. This is because your AC 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 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 lower the temperature. Instead, they work by blowing air onto your skin, creating a wind chill effect. Therefore, even though ceiling fans only cost pennies to run, leaving them running in empty rooms wastes energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to enhance 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 significantly impact cooling efficiency. Installing it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can cause false readings, making your AC work harder than required. The best place for the thermostat is a central location away from direct light and heat. You might even consider zoning your home with numerous 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 standard air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more energy. 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 encourage maximum performance and longevity. Neglecting this can allow undetected issues, causing inconvenient breakdowns, costly repairs and premature replacements.

Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Gives Out Completely

You may hear this advice about cars, but it doesn’t apply to air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often experience a drastic reduction in energy efficiency. While routine maintenance and proactive repairs can extend your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a total breakdown to consider air conditioning replacement. A scheduled AC replacement is more convenient 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 a costly error. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to ensure you’ve found a business with the experience and skills to provide trustworthy 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 Levy & Son Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Dallas

Now that you understand the importance of educating yourself and only selecting a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about getting in touch with Levy & Son Service Experts. We provide superior HVAC services in Dallas 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 team at Levy & Son Service Experts today at 469-250-0932 to schedule our reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!