Have you ever thought that turning down your thermostat to the lowest temperature will cool down the home quicker? Or that turning off your air conditioning system when you’re not home will save energy? What if we told you that they’re totally wrong! These are common air conditioning myths that are costing homeowners big bucks which need to be cleared up. This blog will go over 4 air conditioning myths that are costing you money and how you can save energy without losing comfort.
Myth #1: Your Home Will Cool Faster by Turning Your Thermostat Way Down
Cooling your home or room takes time, so even if you set the thermostat to the lowest temperature possible, your AC unit will still continue to run at the same pace. Many homeowners think that turning down the thermostat to the lowest will cool the home more quickly, but that’s not true. The rate of the AC will be the same, so implementing that strategy is a waste of energy.
A programmable thermostat helps with temperature variations. When you’re not home, you can increase the temperature by a few degrees and adjust the temperature before you get back. This will help avoid the drastic changes in temperature.
Myth #2: Bigger AC Units Perform Better and Give you Better Results
Many people have the misconception that bigger is better. Although this may be true for some items, it’s not the case with AC units. An air conditioning unit that’s too big for the space it is cooling will force the compressor to turn itself off in short intervals, causing the unit to:
- Use up more electricity
- Wear off more quickly
- Shorten its life cycle
The short bursts of AC will also allow heat and humidity to creep back into your house, which can cause damage to your home over time.
On the opposite end, having an AC unit that is too small wastes a lot of energy and money due to it not being able to keep up with the demand the home requires. That is why selecting the right-sized AC is the best way of saving money on your energy bill.
Myth #3: Turning Off the AC When You’re Not Home Will Save Energy
This strategy is only true for extended periods of time. However, if you turn off your AC before going to work and turn it back on once you get back home, you’re making your AC work harder to cool your home, thus using up more energy and costing you more bucks. It is better to turn the thermostat up several degrees rather than turn it off completely. It’s recommended that you set the temperature up 7-10 degrees while you’re away for the day. Turning up the thermostat is the better choice because it:
- Protects homes from mold and bugs – turning your AC on and off causes humidity and summer mold to form, thus attracting insects
- Saves you money – this method will use up less energy, thus saving you money on your energy bill
- Keeps your home comfortable – your homes will constantly be at a comfortable temperature while preventing indoor humidity
Myth #4: Your Air Conditioner Won’t Have to Run as Much if You Keep the Ceiling Fan Turned On
A ceiling fan does not improve the efficacy of your air conditioner. They do not cool the air; all they do is circulate the air that’s already in the room. It may help with the circulation of the cold air that’s already in the room, but it will not cool the air any more than it already is.
Air conditioning myths are the cause for hundreds of homeowners overworking their ACs and wasting more money on energy bills than necessary. Although the intentions are to save energy and get a comfier home, homeowners are unknowingly doing the opposite. Hopefully, this blog helped clear up air conditioning myths that are costing you money. If you have any questions about AC myths or simply are in need of a new air conditioning unit, give Atlas HVAC a call at (877) 452-8527 or click here to get in touch.
