Your air conditioner works hard to keep you comfortable, especially during the summer heat. Unfortunately, many people get snookered by many air conditioning myths, costing them money. Let’s debunk these myths to help you make informed choices when using your air conditioning this summer in Melbourne.
Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter
One of the most significant untrue assumptions is that size doesn’t matter or the biggest possible AC unit is the best. The fact is an extremely large unit can’t effectively remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, in turn, causes more expensive energy costs.
On the other hand, a small unit must work harder to cool a large space, resulting in comfort problems, 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 influence the ideal AC unit size.
Myth 2: Cranking Down the Temperature Cools Your Home Faster
Oddly, setting your thermostat to an extremely low temperature doesn’t cool your home a lot 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 benefit to opting for an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes higher energy bills and reduced comfort.
Myth 3: Raising the Temperature While You’re Away Costs More Than Keeping It Steady
The thinking that it’s less expensive to keep a consistent temperature all day is a misconception. 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 bills. This is because your air conditioning 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 sacrificing 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 bring down the temperature. Actually, they work by blowing air over your skin, creating 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 improve comfort, but keep in mind you should always 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 dramatically affect cooling efficiency. Installing it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can trigger false readings, making your AC work harder than it should. The most useful spot for the thermostat is a central location away from direct light and heat. You might even consider zoning your home with multiple thermostats for maximum 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, nearly all traditional air filters need to be replaced every 30-90 days. Plugged filters reduce 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 preserve efficiency.
Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important
Like any other home appliance, your cooling system should undergo scheduled maintenance to facilitate maximum performance and longevity. Neglecting this can allow undetected issues, causing inconvenient breakdowns, high-priced 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 severe reduction in energy efficiency. While routine 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 AC replacement 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
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 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 admirable, this doesn’t always mean they offer better service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and extensive expertise to tackle your needs efficiently.
Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Melbourne
Now that you understand the value of educating yourself and only employing a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about calling Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide exceptional HVAC services in Melbourne 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 Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today at 321-428-7635 to schedule our reputable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!