We live in a world where you can find advice for almost anything online. But that advice is not always from a trusted source, and it may end up costing you more when it comes to your HVAC system. Here are some of the biggest myths you may have heard about running your air conditioner over the summer.
You’ll Save Money by Turning Off Your AC When You’re Not Home
This first one is almost true, but not as stated. Rather, the Department of Energy does recommend adjusting your thermostat while you’re not home. A simple adjustment of 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day can save you about 10% on your annual energy costs.
However, shutting your system down entirely may actually cost you more. This leads to higher humidity in your home along with much higher temperatures. These two conditions together may exacerbate allergies and encourage biological matter to grow.
It will also cause your system to work harder to bring the temperature back down. This leads to extremely long cycles every day, which use a lot more energy and put incredible strain on your system.
Electricity All Costs the Same No Matter When You Use It
Energy companies have gotten creative with trying to curb peak energy consumption, charging more during those times. However, even if you aren’t affected by variable rates throughout the day, when and how you use energy may cost you more.
When you run a toaster oven, use your lights, or work on your computer, you generate heat. Using these appliances during the hottest parts of the day causes your AC to work harder to keep your ideal temperature. Whenever possible, try to time high-heat activities for the cooler parts of the day.
Ceiling Fans Help Cool Your Home
You may have heard that ceiling fans help cool your home, which is a pseudo truth. Fans do not actually reduce the temperature of the air in your home.
However, they do provide the windchill effect, which makes the air feel up to two degrees cooler. They also help circulate the air around your home, allowing for cooler air from your AC to permeate more places. So, while they may not actually lower the temperature of your home, they certainly will help your home feel more comfortable.
Closing Vents Improves Efficiency
There is an idea that closing vents in areas you don’t frequent will improve your energy efficiency. That is not true unless you completely seal that area off from the rest of your home.
What is true is that by shutting those vents, you interrupt the air circulation your system produces. You also cause unusual pressure in your ducts, which may lead to ductwork problems further down the road. Make sure not to close more than 20% of your vents if you do decide to close some.
Turning Down Your Thermostat More to Cool Your Home More Quickly
Your air conditioner is not like your hot water; it doesn’t cool your home faster the lower you set the temperature. Your air conditioner only cools the circulating air between 15 and 20 degrees. Setting the temperature lower only increases the length and frequency of your run cycles.
A Bigger System Will Cool Your Home Better
When you start looking to replace your air conditioning unit, you may think that bigger will be better. However, you really want a system that is just the right size for your home.
If your system is too small, it’ll run all the time. If it’s too big, it’ll shut off too quickly, leaving your home more humid and running cycles more often. In either case, you end up with increased energy consumption and additional strain on your system.
AC Maintenance Is Just a Marketing Ploy
You may hear that routine maintenance is just a marketing ploy to get more business for HVAC companies. However, most manufacturers actually require it to maintain their system’s warranty. This is because every aspect of maintenance keeps the system running at peak efficiency and catches small problems before they become major repairs.
People around Farmingdale have trusted B.A.C. Systems, Inc. to keep their homes cool and comfortable since 2004. Our expertly trained technicians specialize in heating and AC installation, repair, and maintenance services. We also provide expert roofing, siding, and window services. Call to schedule your AC service with one of the area’s finest technicians today.
