Texans rely heavily on our air conditioners to get through the hot summers. With so much importance placed on them, some myths naturally come along over time. Unfortunately, many of these A/C myths can end up costing you extra in the long run on both your air conditioner and on your utility bill. Take a look at the myths we’ve debunked below.

Myth: Lower Your Thermostat For Quicker Cooling

When you walk into your home and find that it’s too hot, you may be tempted to immediately lower your thermostat several degrees, expecting it to cool your home more quickly. In most cases this is a myth. With the exception of top of the line equipment, most air conditioning systems work the same amount to cool your home, regardless of the temperature; it just runs longer to reach the lower temperature. Instead of lowering your thermostat dramatically, you should just set it to the desired temperature so that your A/C will turn off when it reaches that temperature.

Myth: Maintaining One Temperature All Day Saves Money

You may have asked yourself whether it would be worthwhile to change your thermostat temperature during the day or if it’s better to keep a single temperature throughout the day. We’re here with the answer: it’s okay to raise your thermostat when you’re not at home! If you work away from home or take a vacation away from home, turn your thermostat up a few degrees above the normal temperature in order to lower your utility costs during this period.

Myth: Close The Vents In Unused Rooms

Many HVAC systems have the same air output regardless of which room vents are closed. Closing vents in unused rooms can reduce the efficiency of your system airflow. This can lead to your system running longer in order to meet the desired temperature, costing more in utility bills than may be necessary. It’s also harder on the system as it increases air pressure in the ducts, reducing the lifespan of the equipment.

Myth: You Should Keep Your A/C Unit Until It Fails

Replacing an A/C unit can be costly, so everyone wants their units to last as long as possible. However, if your unit is over 10 years old but you still haven’t replaced it because it’s “still running,” it may be costing you more than you think. HVAC technology is constantly improving to keep homes comfortable using even less energy. Hanging onto an old unit leads to unnecessary energy costs. Old units also require repairs far more than new units do, which contributes to the inflated costs that come with using an old unit.

Myth: Bigger A/C Units Perform Better

Different A/C units are sized for certain spaces and careful calculation goes into determining that space. When it’s time to get a new A/C, it’s best to consult an HVAC professional to help determine the best size for your home. If you get a unit that’s too small for your space, it will constantly struggle to keep your home at the desired temperature. If you get a unit that’s too large for your space it will turn on and off more often than it should, causing it to wear out before the end of its expected lifespan.

Have additional questions about an A/C myth you’ve heard? Contact the experts at AirOne Heating and Air Conditioning! Our technicians are always happy to help homeowners keep their homes comfortable any way they can.