10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioner works hard to keep you refreshed and cool, especially during the summer heat. Unfortunately, many people get snookered by 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 using your air conditioning this summer in Winnipeg.

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

One of the main misunderstandings is that size doesn’t matter or the biggest possible AC unit is the best. The reality is an oversized 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 higher energy costs.

Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a huge space, resulting in comfort problems, avoidable wear and tear and a shortened life span for your unit. For these reasons, you should always take into account your home’s square footage and other factors that affect 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 faster. Your AC works at a set rate and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, no matter how low you set the temperature. There’s no benefit to selecting 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 perception that it’s less costly to maintain a consistent temperature all day is a misconception. 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 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 give the perception you're cooler, but they don’t really lower the temperature. Instead, they work by blowing air onto your skin, creating a wind chill effect. For that reason, even though ceiling fans only cost pennies to use, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to increase 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 you put the thermostat can dramatically affect cooling efficiency. Installing it near heat sources such as windows, lamps and appliances can trigger false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than necessary. The ideal spot 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 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, the vast majority of 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. Conversely, 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 AC unit should undergo scheduled maintenance to facilitate optimal performance and longevity. Overlooking this can result in undetected issues, causing troublesome breakdowns, costly repairs and premature replacements.

Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Gives Out Completely

You may hear this tip about cars, but it does not hold true with 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 total breakdown to consider air conditioning replacement. Arranging for AC replacement 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

Hiring a contractor without doing your research could be a high-priced error. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to confirm 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 superior service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a broad range of expertise to tackle your needs efficiently.

Contact Winnipeg Supply Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Winnipeg

Now that you understand the importance of educating yourself and only selecting a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting 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 skilled crew at Winnipeg Supply Service Experts today at 204-800-0613 to schedule our reputable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!