Your air conditioner works hard to keep you cool, especially during the summer heat. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to several air conditioning myths, causing an unnecessary strain on their wallets. Let’s get to the truth of these myths to help you make informed actions when running your air conditioner this summer in Nashville.
Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter
One of the main misunderstandings is that size doesn’t matter or a bigger AC is always better. The truth is a great big unit can’t adequately remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off very fast. This short cycling, in turn, contributes to increased energy costs.
Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a really big space, resulting in comfort problems, unnecessary 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 influence the ideal AC unit size.
Myth 2: Cranking Down the Temperature Cools Your Home Faster
Interestingly, setting your thermostat to a very low temperature doesn’t cool your home faster. Your AC works at a steady pace 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 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 maintain a consistent temperature all day is a myth. The truth is, 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 expenses. This is because your AC 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 maximize 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 truly lower the temperature. Actually, they work by blowing air over your skin, creating a wind chill effect. Therefore, even though ceiling fans only cost pennies to operate, leaving them running in empty rooms wastes energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to increase comfort, but keep in mind you should always switch 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 significantly impact cooling efficiency. Putting it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can result in false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than necessary. The most useful location for the thermostat is a central location away from direct light and heat. You might even consider zoning your home with numerous thermostats for optimal comfort and energy savings.
Myth 6: It’s Fine to Only Change the Air Filter Once a Year
While some high-end media filters last up to a year, most common air filters need to be replaced every 30-90 days. Plugged filters choke off airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more power. Alternatively, regular filter changes prolong the life of your unit and protect efficiency.
Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important
Like any other home appliance, your cooling system requires routine maintenance to facilitate maximum performance and longevity. Neglecting this can allow undetected issues, causing troublesome breakdowns, high-priced repairs and premature replacements.
Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Breaks Down for the Final Time
You may hear this tip about cars, but it isn't true when you're talking about air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often have a drastic decrease in energy efficiency. While routine maintenance and proactive repairs can extend your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a total breakdown to consider air conditioning replacement. Planning an installation of a new air conditioning system is less stressful 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 mistake. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to ensure 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 shopping at local small businesses is applaudable, this doesn’t always mean they offer better service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a broad range of expertise to handle your needs efficiently.
Contact Donelson Air Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Nashville
Now that you realize the benefit of educating yourself and only hiring a trusted HVAC professional, you can feel good about calling Donelson Air Service Experts. We provide excellent HVAC services in Nashville and surrounding areas. Our commitment to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Contact the team at Donelson Air Service Experts today at 615-953-9885 to schedule our reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!