Your air conditioning equipment works hard to keep you refreshed and cool, especially on hot and sweltering days. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to many air conditioning myths, causing an unnecessary strain on their wallets. Let’s get to the truth of these myths to help you make informed decisions when using your air conditioning this summer in Fort Worth.
Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter
One of the biggest untrue assumptions is that size doesn’t matter or a bigger AC is always better. The simple truth 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 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
Surprisingly, setting your thermostat to an extremely low temperature doesn’t cool your home more quickly. Your AC works at the same speed no matter what 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 opting for 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 uphold a consistent temperature all day is a myth. 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 costs. This is because your air conditioner 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 maximize 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 truly decrease the temperature. Rather, they work by blowing air over your skin, generating 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 improve 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 you put the thermostat can dramatically impact cooling efficiency. Installing it near heat sources like windows, lamps and appliances can trigger false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than necessary. The ideal location 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 Fine 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 power. 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 air conditioner needs routine maintenance to facilitate maximum 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 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 experience a major drop in energy efficiency. While scheduled maintenance and proactive repairs can extend your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a total breakdown to upgrade to a new unit. Planning an air conditioning installation 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
Choosing a contractor without doing your research could be an expensive mistake. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to ensure you’ve found a company with the experience and skills to provide reliable service.
Myth 10: Working with a Small Business Is Always Better
While shopping at local small businesses is commendable, this doesn’t always mean they offer premium service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a wide range of expertise to address your needs efficiently.
Contact Calverley Service Experts for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Fort Worth
Now that you know the benefit of educating yourself and only employing a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting Calverley Service Experts. We provide superior HVAC services in Fort Worth and surrounding areas. Our dedication 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 Calverley Service Experts today at 817-380-5647 to schedule our reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!