It’s safe to say that if you live in Pooler or the surrounding areas, you’re already feeling the summer heat. Before you crank up your AC, first consider some all-too-common AC myths that might be unnecessarily raising your energy bills. From misunderstood thermostat settings to overestimated energy savings from shutting vents, the myths are many, but so are the chances to improve efficiency and save money.
MYTH: “Setting Your Thermostat To A Super Low Temperature Will Speed Up Cooling.”
FACT: Most home HVAC systems are designed to cool at a constant rate. If the indoor temperature is 78 degrees, setting your thermostat to 65 degrees won’t cool your house any faster than setting it at 70 degrees. The air conditioner works until the indoor environment reaches the set temperature, and over-lowering the thermostat can lead to excessive cooling and increased energy costs.
MYTH: “Turning Off the AC When You’re Not Home Saves Energy”
FACT: While it may appear cost-effective to turn off your AC while away, this approach often leads to higher energy consumption. The effort required to re-cool your home can exceed what you would have used by simply maintaining a constant, slightly warmer temperature. Using a programmable thermostat, like our Ecobee Smart Thermostat, can help manage this balance efficiently, ensuring you return to a comfortably cool home without the energy spike.
MYTH: “Maintenance plans have no effect on an air conditioner’s efficiency.”
FACT: Expert HVAC technicians are skilled in pinpointing and fixing issues ranging from airflow disruptions and system leaks to faulty coils. Regular, professionally conducted maintenance checks are essential for keeping your cooling system running smoothly. By keeping up with regular check-ups, homeowners can prevent small issues from becoming major, costly problems and can extend the lifespan of their HVAC units.
MYTH: “Bigger AC Units Are Always Better”
BUSTED: While a bigger unit may seem to offer powerful cooling performance, a unit sized properly is the best option for long term durability and comfort. Oversized air conditioners cycle on and off more frequently, which can increase wear and tear and decrease overall efficiency of your system, affecting your indoor comfort and causing high humidity levels in your home.
MYTH: “Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy”
BUSTED: While it seems logical, closing vents actually increases pressure in the ductwork, which can cause leaks and inefficiencies. It’s better to keep vents open to maintain balanced airflow and system efficiency.
Before making any adjustments to your vents, it’s important to consult with a licensed HVAC professional. Because HVAC systems are tailored to the specific needs of each site, your technician can provide tailored advice on whether it’s beneficial to close certain vents to minimize cooling in unused areas of your home
Now that we’ve debunked some of the most common air conditioning myths, you’re better equipped to make informed decisions about your cooling needs. Remember, a little expert attention can go a long way in maintaining the health of your HVAC system and keeping your indoor environment perfect.
If you have any HVAC questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us at Indoor Climate Experts. We’re here to help you make the most out of your air conditioning, ensuring a cool, efficient, and enjoyable summer.
