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 get snookered by various air conditioning myths, causing an unnecessary strain on their wallets. Let’s debunk these myths to help you make informed choices when running your air conditioner this summer in Calgary.
Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter
One of the biggest misconceptions is that size doesn’t matter or it’s always best to choose the AC with the largest cooling capacity. The simple truth is an oversized unit can’t effectively remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off so rapidly. This short cycling, as a result, leads to increased energy costs.
Having said that, 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 influence 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 steady pace and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, no matter how low you set it. There’s no advantage to choosing 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 costly to keep a consistent temperature all day is a myth. The truth is, 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 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 increase 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 truly bring down the temperature. Rather, they work by blowing air onto your skin, creating a wind chill effect. Therefore, even though ceiling fans cost very little to run, leaving them running in empty rooms squanders energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to increase comfort, but don’t forget to turn them off when you leave.
Myth 5: It Doesn’t Matter Where You Install the Thermostat
Contrary to popular belief, the place in your home where you install the thermostat can substantially affect cooling efficiency. Putting it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can result in false readings, making your air conditioner 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 multiple thermostats for the most 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, most standard air filters need to be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more electricity. On the other hand, regular filter changes lengthen the life of your unit and maintain 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. Overlooking this can lead to undetected issues, causing inopportune breakdowns, costly 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 isn’t true when you’re talking about air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often experience a drastic decrease in energy efficiency. While regular maintenance and proactive repairs can extend your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a total breakdown to consider air conditioning replacement. Arranging for air conditioning installation 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
Choosing a contractor without doing your research could be a high-priced mistake. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to make sure 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 being a patron of local small businesses is applaudable, this doesn’t necessarily mean they offer superior service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a wide range of expertise to tackle your needs efficiently.
Contact A1 Chesney Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Calgary
Now that you understand the benefit of educating yourself and only selecting a trusted HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting A1 Chesney Service Experts. We provide excellent HVAC services in Calgary and surrounding communities. Our devotion 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 A1 Chesney Service Experts today at 587-315-5271 to schedule our reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!
