Your air conditioner works hard to keep you refreshed and cool, especially on hot days during the summer. Unfortunately, many people believe several air conditioning myths, costing them money. 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 most significant misconceptions 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, as a result, causes increased energy costs.
Having said that, a small unit must work harder to cool a huge space, resulting in trouble getting your home as cool as you like, needless wear and tear and a shortened life span for your unit. 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 faster. Your AC works at a set rate and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, irrespective of how low you set the temperature. There’s no value in selecting an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes greater energy bills and reduced 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 misconception. The truth is, 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 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 increase savings without sacrificing comfort.
Myth 4: Running the Ceiling Fans 24/7 Keeps the House Cooler
Ceiling fans make it seem like a room is cooler, but they don’t truly bring down the temperature. Instead, they work by blowing air over your skin, generating a wind chill effect. For that reason, even though ceiling fans only cost pennies to use, leaving them running in empty rooms wastes energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to increase comfort, but don't forget to power 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 significantly impact cooling efficiency. Installing it near heat sources including windows, lamps and appliances can trigger false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than required. The best place 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 OK 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 should be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more electricity. Conversely, regular filter changes lengthen the life of your unit and protect efficiency.
Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important
Like any other home appliance, your cooling system should undergo scheduled maintenance to facilitate maximum performance and longevity. Neglecting this can result in undetected issues, causing troublesome 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 advice 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 lengthen your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a full-blown breakdown to replace it. Arranging for AC replacement 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
Hiring a contractor without doing your research could be an expensive error. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to make sure 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 applaudable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer superior service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a broad range of expertise to address your needs efficiently.
Contact Stark Services for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Fort Worth
Now that you understand the benefit of educating yourself and only hiring a respected HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting Stark Services. We provide superior HVAC services in Fort Worth and surrounding communities. Our dedication 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 Stark Services today at 817-668-6689 to schedule our quality services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!