Running your air conditioning system during the hottest months of the year requires quite a bit of energy. Are you using your air conditioning system in the most efficient manner possible? You may believe that you know quite a bit about your home’s HVAC system, but central air conditioners are complex, and homeowners oftentimes do not know how to use them optimally. If you have recently encountered the need for multiple air conditioner repairs, or if your monthly energy bill seems to rise month after month, you might be operating your central air conditioner inefficiently.

Here are some of the most common myths about central air conditioning systems. Some might surprise you!

Myth: You should always leave your home’s air conditioning system running at a constant temperature all day long – even if nobody is home. In reality, you should not leave your air conditioner running all day long when nobody is home. The best practice is to utilize a programmable thermostat. When nobody is home during the day, set the thermostat at a higher temperature, and then program the thermostat to begin cooling the home around half an hour before everybody is expected to return at the end of the day. If you are unsure how to program your thermostat, or your want to have a programmable thermostat installed, call your air conditioner repair company for assistance.

Myth: Buying the largest central air conditioning system you can find will ensure your home stays very cool every day of the year – no matter how hot it gets outside. The truth is, a bigger central air conditioning system will not necessarily cool your home any better than a smaller system. The trick is to purchase the optimal sized system for the size of your home. Your air conditioner repair company will be able to provide you with guidance on what size air conditioner is best suited for your home. So, before you rush out and purchase the biggest air conditioner that money can buy, make sure it is the right fit for your home. Bigger is not always better!

Myth: It’s important to change your HVAC system’s air filter during the winter when the furnace is regularly being used, but clean air filters are not as important during the summer months when the air conditioning is running. A clean air filter is important year-round – and not just during the winter when the furnace is being used to heat your home. Dust and debris collects in your air filter at all times of the year, and it is just as important to make sure your air filter is clean during the summer months as it is during the winter months.

There are many misconceptions about the proper way to run and maintain a central air conditioning system. For additional clarification on myths vs. facts, make sure to ask your air conditioner repair company the next time they are at your home for a service call.