Your air conditioning equipment works hard to keep you cool, especially on hot and sweltering days. Unfortunately, many people get snookered by various air conditioning myths, causing them to spend money they shouldn't. Let’s get to the truth of these myths to help you make informed actions when using your air conditioning this summer in Buffalo.
Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter
One of the most significant untrue assumptions is that size doesn’t matter or a bigger AC is always better. The truth is an extremely large unit can’t adequately remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off too quickly. This short cycling, as a result, causes higher energy costs.
Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a large space, resulting in trouble getting your home as cool as you like, avoidable wear and tear and premature failure. For these reasons, you should always think about 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
Surprisingly, setting your thermostat to a very 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 decreased comfort.
Myth 3: Raising the Temperature While You’re Away Costs More Than Keeping It Steady
The belief 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 not home for eight hours a day can save up to 10 percent on your cooling costs. This is because your air conditioning 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 losing 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 decrease the temperature. Instead, they work by blowing air onto your skin, producing a wind chill effect. Therefore, even though ceiling fans don't cost very much to operate, leaving them running in empty rooms wastes energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to improve comfort, but don't forget to switch 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 affect cooling efficiency. Putting it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can cause false readings, making your air conditioning 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 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, nearly all standard air filters need to be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters reduce airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more energy. Alternatively, 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 AC unit should undergo routine maintenance to facilitate superior performance and longevity. Neglecting this can allow undetected issues, causing inconvenient 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 does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often experience a severe drop in energy efficiency. While scheduled maintenance and proactive repairs can lengthen your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a catastrophic breakdown to upgrade to a new unit. A scheduled 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
Employing a contractor without doing your research could be a high-priced miscalculation. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to confirm you’ve found a company 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 applaudable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer premium service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and extensive expertise to tackle your needs efficiently.
Contact Sunbeam Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Buffalo
Now that you realize the importance of educating yourself and only hiring a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting Sunbeam Service Experts. We provide exceptional HVAC services in Buffalo and surrounding areas. Our devotion to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Reach out to the skilled crew at Sunbeam Service Experts today at 716-427-6807 to schedule our reputable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!