During our seemingly endless summers, San Antonio homeowners enjoy the full benefits of cooler air, thanks to their air conditioning system. Despite our appreciation for our AC, many of us have little understanding of the inner workings of these complicated systems. As a result, there are several myths that continue to persist to this day that result in wasted energy and money.
Find out what these misconceptions are and just how to keep your energy bill low while keeping your home as cool as can be in when the mercury climbs sky-high.
Myth: Leaving Ceiling Fans On Will Keep An Empty Room Cool
Ceiling fans move air around in a room, but they don’t cool it. The cooling effect we feel is due to the air being moved across our skin. Our body temperature often drops as a result.
We also experience a similar feeling when we’re sweating and a fan is turned on. The air moving around the room helps the perspiration evaporate, taking the heat with it and helping to cool us off.
Therefore, an empty room with a fan on will not be a lower temperature than a room with a working air conditioner that’s circulating cool air.
While ceiling fans alone might not cool your indoor air, they are useful for circulating the cooled air from air conditioners. When used together, you can raise the temperature slightly and avoid overusing your AC unit. Remember to turn off all fans upon leaving the room to avoid wasting any unnecessary energy.
Myth: Turning Off An AC When You Leave Saves Money
Another common misconception is that the best way to save money is to turn off your air conditioner completely when you leave your home.
While not as wasteful as leaving the AC on all day, turning off the system results in your unit having to work more to cool down your home at the end of the day.
To help keep your home cool without wasting too much energy, invest in a programmable thermometer. Keeping your windows covered and increasing the temperature up by 10 degrees Fahrenheit will keep your home comfortable throughout the day without your system needing to work as hard to go from completely off to your desired temperature.
Myth: Closing Vents In Unused Rooms Will Get Other Rooms Cooler
Most modern air conditioners are designed to cool down an entire home, so by closing the vents all you’re doing is keeping the inside of the vents cold.
Instead of moving the cool air to a room where it can be used, the air is simply bounced back and not distributed elsewhere in your home. By closing off the vents, you are also forcing the compressor to work harder, which could lead to your air conditioner wearing out quicker.
If you’re looking to cool down only a small area, consider getting a ductless mini-split air conditioner. These types of air conditioning systems don’t require ducts and are a solid option for those with a smaller home who are still looking to enjoy the benefits of cooler air.
Myth: Setting The Thermostat Lower Cools Down The House Faster
An air conditioning unit will run at the same, steady rate until it cools down your home to the temperature you selected on the thermostat.
Some air conditioners do feature variable speed air handlers, but most air conditioners only have two settings: on and off. Cranking down the temperature will only result in your AC working longer to cool down your home to that setting.
Myth: You Don’t Have To Service Your AC Unless It’s Broken
Performing routine maintenance with an air conditioner maintenance checklist will help prevent bigger problems down the road.
By waiting until it’s too late, you risk having your system fail you during the weekend or late at night, which could end up costing you extra. It’s also important to know when to repair or replace your AC unit, since investing in a newer-energy-efficient unit may be more cost-effective than pouring money into an older, ailing system. Air conditioning maintenance is a must for those who are looking to have a reliable source of cooled and heated air throughout the year.
ABC Can Help Separate Fact From Fiction
Waited too long to service your AC? Need a reliable professional to call when your air conditioner is on the fritz? ABC Home & Commercial Services offers a full range of AC repair and installation services. With the help of ABC’s pros, you’ll ensure you have cooled air in your home to give you with a welcome break from our high outdoor summer temperatures.
