Your AC works hard to keep you cool, especially during the summer heat. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to many air conditioning myths, costing them money. Let’s debunk these myths to help you make informed actions when cooling your home this summer in Livermore.
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 a great big unit can’t effectively remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off very fast. This short cycling, in turn, causes more expensive energy costs.
Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a huge space, resulting in comfort problems, 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 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 thermostat. There’s no value in choosing 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 uphold a consistent temperature all day is a myth. Actually, 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 costs. 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 boost savings without giving up comfort.
Myth 4: Running the Ceiling Fans 24/7 Keeps the House Cooler
Ceiling fans make a room feel cooler, but they don’t really lower the temperature. Rather, they work by blowing air across your skin, generating a wind chill effect. That is why even though ceiling fans cost very little to run, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to increase comfort, but don't forget to power 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 significantly influence cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can result in false readings, making your AC work harder than necessary. The ideal 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 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 standard air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Plugged filters choke off airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more electricity. Conversely, 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 cooling system requires scheduled maintenance to promote superior performance and longevity. Disregarding this can lead to undetected issues, causing inconvenient breakdowns, expensive 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 isn't true when you're talking about air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often have a severe reduction in energy efficiency. While regular maintenance and proactive repairs can lengthen your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a full-blown breakdown to replace it. Planning an installation of a new air conditioning system 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 costly error. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to ensure you’ve found a team 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 admirable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer superior service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a broad range of expertise to handle your needs efficiently.
Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Livermore
Now that you know the benefit of educating yourself and only selecting a trusted HVAC professional, you can feel good about getting in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide exceptional HVAC services in Livermore and surrounding communities. Our commitment to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Reach out to the experienced pros at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today at 925-364-5427 to schedule our reputable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!