10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money
Your air conditioning equipment works hard to keep you cool, especially on hot and sweltering days. Unfortunately, many people get snookered by several 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 running your air conditioner this summer in Winnipeg.
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 reality is an extremely large unit can’t adequately remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off so rapidly. This short cycling, consequently, leads to more expensive energy costs.
On the other hand, a small unit must work harder to cool a really big space, resulting in trouble getting your home as cool as you like, needless wear and tear and premature failure. 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
Interestingly, setting your thermostat to an extremely low temperature doesn’t cool your home more quickly. 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 the temperature. There’s no value in selecting 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 perception that it’s less expensive to maintain a consistent temperature all day is a myth. In reality, setting your thermostat 7-10 degrees higher when you’re not home for eight hours a day can save up to 10 percent on your cooling costs. This is because your AC 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 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, creating a wind chill effect. Therefore, even though ceiling fans don’t cost very much to operate, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to enhance comfort, but keep in mind you should always 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 substantially impact cooling efficiency. Installing it near heat sources such as windows, lamps and appliances can result in false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than it should. The best spot for the thermostat is a central location away from direct light and heat. You might even consider zoning your home with numerous thermostats for maximum 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, nearly all common air filters need to be replaced every 30-90 days. Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more electricity. On the other hand, 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 needs routine maintenance to encourage maximum performance and longevity. Disregarding this can allow undetected issues, causing inopportune breakdowns, expensive repairs and premature replacements.
Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Dies
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 experience a severe reduction 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. A scheduled installation of a new air conditioning system 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
Employing a contractor without doing your research could be an expensive error. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to confirm you’ve found a team with the experience and skills to provide dependable service.
Myth 10: Working with a Small Business Is Always Better
While supporting local small businesses is admirable, this doesn’t always mean they offer superior service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and extensive expertise to address your needs efficiently.
Contact Winnipeg Supply Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Winnipeg
Now that you know the value of educating yourself and only employing a respected HVAC professional, you can feel good about getting in touch with Winnipeg Supply Service Experts. We provide excellent HVAC services in Winnipeg 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 experienced pros at Winnipeg Supply Service Experts today at 204-800-0613 to schedule our reputable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!
