10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioner works hard to keep you comfortable, especially on hot days during the summer. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to many air conditioning myths, causing an unnecessary strain on their wallets. Let’s get to the bottom of these myths to help you make informed actions when cooling your home this summer in Birmingham.

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

One of the most significant misunderstandings is that size doesn’t matter or the biggest possible AC unit is the best. The simple truth is a great big unit can’t effectively remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, as a result, contributes 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 can also shorten the life span of your AC. 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

Surprisingly, setting your thermostat to a lower 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 temperature. There’s no value in choosing an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes greater energy bills and decreased 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 a myth. In reality, 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 giving up 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 really decrease the temperature. Rather, they work by blowing air over your skin, generating a wind chill effect. That is why even though ceiling fans only cost pennies to run, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless 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 in your home where you install the thermostat can substantially impact cooling efficiency. Putting it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can trigger false readings, making your air conditioner 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 optimal 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. Dirty filters choke off airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more power. Alternatively, regular filter changes extend 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 facilitate superior performance and longevity. Neglecting this can lead to undetected issues, causing troublesome 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 information about cars, but it isn't true when you're talking about 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 catastrophic breakdown to consider air conditioning replacement. Planning an 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 admirable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer better service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a broad range of expertise to tackle your needs efficiently.

Contact Norrell Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Birmingham

Now that you realize the benefit of educating yourself and only selecting a trusted HVAC professional, you can feel good about calling Norrell Service Experts. We provide excellent HVAC services in Birmingham and surrounding areas. Our commitment to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Reach out to the team at Norrell Service Experts today at 205-267-0023 to schedule our reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!