Your air conditioning equipment works hard to keep you refreshed and cool, especially on hot days during the summer. Unfortunately, many people believe many air conditioning myths, causing them to spend money they shouldn't. Let’s debunk these myths to help you make informed decisions when cooling your home this summer in Kingwood.
Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter
One of the biggest misconceptions is that size doesn’t matter or the biggest possible AC unit is the best. The fact is a great big 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 more expensive energy costs.
Having said that, a small unit must work harder to cool a really big space, resulting in a warmer home than you probably prefer, needless wear and tear and premature failure. 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 a lower temperature doesn’t cool your home a lot faster. 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 it. There’s no value in opting for an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes larger energy bills and diminished comfort.
Myth 3: Raising the Temperature While You’re Away Costs More Than Keeping It Steady
The perception that it’s less costly to keep a consistent temperature all day is a misconception. 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 expenses. This is because your AC 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 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 actually bring down the temperature. Actually, they work by blowing air across your skin, creating a wind chill effect. That is why even though ceiling fans don't cost very much to run, leaving them running in empty rooms loses needless energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to improve comfort, but remember to turn 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 like windows, lamps and appliances can trigger false readings, making your air conditioner work harder than necessary. The best spot 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, the vast majority of common air filters ought to be replaced every 30-90 days. Clogged filters reduce airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more power. Conversely, 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 needs routine maintenance to promote superior performance and longevity. Neglecting this can lead to undetected issues, causing inconvenient breakdowns, costly repairs and premature replacements.
Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Gives Out Completely
You may hear this advice about cars, but it doesn’t apply to air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often undergo a major drop in energy efficiency. While regular maintenance and proactive repairs can extend your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a complete breakdown to consider air conditioning replacement. A scheduled 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
Employing a contractor without doing your research could be a high-priced miscalculation. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to make sure 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 supporting local small businesses is commendable, this doesn’t always mean they offer better service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a broad range of expertise to address your needs efficiently.
Contact Finch Air Conditioning & Heating for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in Kingwood
Now that you realize the importance of educating yourself and only employing a reliable HVAC professional, you can feel good about contacting Finch Air Conditioning & Heating. We provide superior HVAC services in Kingwood and surrounding areas. 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 team at Finch Air Conditioning & Heating today at 281-407-9478 to schedule our reliable services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!