Your air conditioning equipment works hard to keep you cool, 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 bottom of these myths to help you make informed choices when using your air conditioning this summer in Elkhart.
Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter
One of the main misunderstandings is that size doesn’t matter or a bigger AC is always better. The fact is an extremely large unit can’t adequately remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, in turn, leads to increased energy costs.
Having said that, 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 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 affect the ideal AC unit size.
Myth 2: Cranking Down the Temperature Cools Your Home Faster
Interestingly, setting your thermostat to a very low temperature doesn’t cool your home more quickly. Your AC works at the same speed no matter what and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, no matter how low you set the thermostat. There’s no advantage to 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 belief that it’s less costly to keep a consistent temperature all day is not true. In reality, 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 expenses. This is because your AC 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 boost savings without losing 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 actually decrease the temperature. Actually, they work by blowing air onto your skin, creating a wind chill effect. Therefore, even though ceiling fans don't cost very much to operate, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to enhance comfort, but remember to power 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 dramatically impact cooling efficiency. Installing it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can cause false readings, making your air conditioning work harder than it should. The ideal 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 the most 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 traditional air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Plugged filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more energy. Alternatively, regular filter changes lengthen the life of your unit and preserve efficiency.
Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important
Like any other home appliance, your AC unit requires scheduled maintenance to encourage superior performance and longevity. Disregarding this can result in 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 undergo a major drop in energy efficiency. While scheduled maintenance and proactive repairs can extend your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a complete breakdown to consider air conditioning replacement. Arranging for air conditioning installation 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 an expensive miscalculation. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to make sure you’ve found a company 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 applaudable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer superior service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a wide range of expertise to address your needs efficiently.
Contact BW/Cook Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Elkhart
Now that you understand the value of educating yourself and only hiring a respected HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting BW/Cook Service Experts. We provide excellent HVAC services in Elkhart and surrounding neighborhoods. Our dedication 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 BW/Cook Service Experts today at 574-218-6404 to schedule our quality services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!