Your AC works hard to keep you comfortable, especially during the summer heat. Unfortunately, many people believe many air conditioning myths, causing an unnecessary strain on their wallets. Let’s debunk these myths to help you make informed choices when using your air conditioning this summer in Fort Wayne.
Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter
One of the main untrue assumptions is that size doesn’t matter or the biggest possible AC unit is the best. The fact is a great big unit can’t effectively remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off so rapidly. This short cycling, in turn, contributes to more expensive energy costs.
On the other hand, a small unit must work harder to cool a huge space, resulting in a warmer home than you probably prefer, avoidable wear and tear and premature failure. 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 a lot faster. Your AC works at the same speed no matter what 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 opting for an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes larger energy bills and diminished comfort.
Myth 3: Raising the Temperature While You’re Away Costs More Than Keeping It Steady
The belief that it’s cheaper to keep a consistent temperature all day is not true. Actually, 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 costs. This is because your air conditioner 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 sacrificing 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 bring down the temperature. Instead, they work by blowing air over 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 squanders energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to improve 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 substantially influence cooling efficiency. Placing it near heat sources such as windows, lamps and appliances can result in false readings, making your air conditioning work harder than necessary. The best place for the thermostat is a central location away from direct light and heat. You might even consider zoning your home with a number of thermostats for the most comfort and energy savings.
Myth 6: It’s OK to Only Change the Air Filter Once a Year
While some high-end media filters last up to a year, most common air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more electricity. Conversely, 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 cooling system should undergo regular maintenance to promote superior performance and longevity. Overlooking this can allow undetected issues, causing inconvenient breakdowns, expensive repairs and premature replacements.
Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Dies
You may hear this advice about cars, but it doesn’t apply to air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often undergo a drastic decrease in energy efficiency. While scheduled maintenance and proactive repairs can stretch out your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a catastrophic breakdown to replace it. 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 error. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to ensure you’ve found a business with the experience and skills to provide reliable service.
Myth 10: Working with a Small Business Is Always Better
While being a patron of local small businesses is admirable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer premium service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and extensive expertise to handle your needs efficiently.
Contact Rolf Griffin Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Fort Wayne
Now that you understand the value of educating yourself and only hiring a respected HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting Rolf Griffin Service Experts . We provide exceptional HVAC services in Fort Wayne and surrounding neighborhoods. Our dedication to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Contact the skilled crew at Rolf Griffin Service Experts today at 260-557-1275 to schedule our reputable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!