Top 7 Air Conditioning Myths
Summer is upon us and if there’s one topic that is dominating most kitchen table conversations, it’s how to best conserve energy in order to keep utility costs down. And for most families that means figuring out how to reduce their reliance on the air conditioner.
But, all too often, homeowners aren’t that well-versed on what will and won’t help them curb their air conditioning bills because many tend to believe in certain myths, if for any other reason because that was what they have always been led to believe. At Comfort HVAC in Jacksonville NC, we can help. Here are seven of the most common air conditioning myths and their truths behind them.
Myth #1: Closing Off Vents Will Lower My AC Bills
Truth: Closing off vents in your home will result in an unbalanced system and when your HVAC becomes unbalanced, it works harder than it needs to and this can cause it to break down sooner. Modern HVAC systems are designed to work optimally with all of the vents in the home left open. And, when your system is working optimally, your energy bills are going to be lower.
Myth #2: Using My Ceiling Fan Will Be Enough to Cool My Home
A ceiling fan is a great alternative to AC for cooling your body on a hot summer day, but they contribute nothing to cooling down the actual home. Ceiling fans help keep you cool by wicking away moisture from your body. If you’re not in the room while the fan is on, you’re wasting energy because the fan is not cooling the home’s indoor temperature. Only air conditioning will effectively reduce the interior temperature of your home.
Myth #3: Buying an Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner Will Help Save Me Money
Truth: This is both true and false. It is true that the more energy efficient your air conditioner is, the less energy it will use. But, this statement can also be considered false because simply buying an energy efficient air conditioner is not enough to warrant this claim. The air conditioner needs to be sized and installed properly in order for it to deliver all of the benefits it claims to deliver.
Myth #4: Duct Tape is Ideal for Sealing My AC Ducts
Truth: Even though it is called “duct” tape, this product is not recommended for sealing ducts. The reason is because ducts tend to have dirty and dusty surfaces and this tape just doesn’t adhere to them very well. If you want to effectively seal your ducts, only mastic tape should be used.
Myth #5: The Lower You Set the Thermostat, the Quicker Your Home Will Cool Down
Truth: The only thing that happens when you set your thermostat to a lower temperature is that the system will turn off once your indoor temperature reaches that temperature setting. The speed in which your AC cools down your home’s indoor temperature has nothing to do with how low you set your thermostat because the cold air being pushed out of your vents comes out at the same rate regardless of the temperature setting.
Myth #6: Turning Off the AC When I’m Not Home Will Cut My Energy Costs
Truth: When you turn your air conditioning off completely in the summer, the interior of your home heats up fast. As a result, it will take longer for the system to cool the home back down when you return home. For the best results, it is recommended to set your programmable thermostat ten degrees higher during times when you’re not going to be home. This will reduce the number of times the system turns on while you’re away, but also make it easier and more efficient to cool the home back down when you return.
Myth #7: Keeping My Windows and Doors Closed Will Keep All the Cool Air In
Truth: The last thing you want to do when running your air conditioning is open the windows or doors, but these aren’t the only places where the cool air can escape. In the summer, your cool indoor air can leak out through virtually any crack or crevice. So, check your home for any air leaks and seal them up. Or, hire a professional HVAC specialist to do a thorough inspection of your home. Your home will be more comfortable and your energy bills will thank you.
Enjoy Lower Energy Bills and a Cooler Home – Call Comfort HVAC in Jacksonville NC
If last summer’s energy bills left you scrounging for ways to pay them, it’s probably time you considered replacing your air conditioner. After all, every summer seems to be hotter and more humid than the one before it. Call Comfort HVAC in Jacksonville NC today; we can help.
Comfort Heating and Cooling is a fully-licensed and locally-owned HVAC service provider and a certified Rheem Team Top Contractor. We offer quality air conditioning sales, service, installation, troubleshooting, replacement, and upgrades to both commercial and residential buildings in and around the Jacksonville area. If you want to schedule service for your AC unit or you are interested in obtaining a free estimate for a new system installation, just call us today at 910-275-5451.
But, all too often, homeowners aren’t that well-versed on what will and won’t help them curb their air conditioning bills because many tend to believe in certain myths, if for any other reason because that was what they have always been led to believe. At Comfort HVAC in Jacksonville NC, we can help. Here are seven of the most common air conditioning myths and their truths behind them.
Myth #1: Closing Off Vents Will Lower My AC Bills
Truth: Closing off vents in your home will result in an unbalanced system and when your HVAC becomes unbalanced, it works harder than it needs to and this can cause it to break down sooner. Modern HVAC systems are designed to work optimally with all of the vents in the home left open. And, when your system is working optimally, your energy bills are going to be lower.
Myth #2: Using My Ceiling Fan Will Be Enough to Cool My Home
A ceiling fan is a great alternative to AC for cooling your body on a hot summer day, but they contribute nothing to cooling down the actual home. Ceiling fans help keep you cool by wicking away moisture from your body. If you’re not in the room while the fan is on, you’re wasting energy because the fan is not cooling the home’s indoor temperature. Only air conditioning will effectively reduce the interior temperature of your home.
Myth #3: Buying an Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner Will Help Save Me Money
Truth: This is both true and false. It is true that the more energy efficient your air conditioner is, the less energy it will use. But, this statement can also be considered false because simply buying an energy efficient air conditioner is not enough to warrant this claim. The air conditioner needs to be sized and installed properly in order for it to deliver all of the benefits it claims to deliver.
Myth #4: Duct Tape is Ideal for Sealing My AC Ducts
Truth: Even though it is called “duct” tape, this product is not recommended for sealing ducts. The reason is because ducts tend to have dirty and dusty surfaces and this tape just doesn’t adhere to them very well. If you want to effectively seal your ducts, only mastic tape should be used.
Myth #5: The Lower You Set the Thermostat, the Quicker Your Home Will Cool Down
Truth: The only thing that happens when you set your thermostat to a lower temperature is that the system will turn off once your indoor temperature reaches that temperature setting. The speed in which your AC cools down your home’s indoor temperature has nothing to do with how low you set your thermostat because the cold air being pushed out of your vents comes out at the same rate regardless of the temperature setting.
Myth #6: Turning Off the AC When I’m Not Home Will Cut My Energy Costs
Truth: When you turn your air conditioning off completely in the summer, the interior of your home heats up fast. As a result, it will take longer for the system to cool the home back down when you return home. For the best results, it is recommended to set your programmable thermostat ten degrees higher during times when you’re not going to be home. This will reduce the number of times the system turns on while you’re away, but also make it easier and more efficient to cool the home back down when you return.
Myth #7: Keeping My Windows and Doors Closed Will Keep All the Cool Air In
Truth: The last thing you want to do when running your air conditioning is open the windows or doors, but these aren’t the only places where the cool air can escape. In the summer, your cool indoor air can leak out through virtually any crack or crevice. So, check your home for any air leaks and seal them up. Or, hire a professional HVAC specialist to do a thorough inspection of your home. Your home will be more comfortable and your energy bills will thank you.
Enjoy Lower Energy Bills and a Cooler Home – Call Comfort HVAC in Jacksonville NC
If last summer’s energy bills left you scrounging for ways to pay them, it’s probably time you considered replacing your air conditioner. After all, every summer seems to be hotter and more humid than the one before it. Call Comfort HVAC in Jacksonville NC today; we can help.
Comfort Heating and Cooling is a fully-licensed and locally-owned HVAC service provider and a certified Rheem Team Top Contractor. We offer quality air conditioning sales, service, installation, troubleshooting, replacement, and upgrades to both commercial and residential buildings in and around the Jacksonville area. If you want to schedule service for your AC unit or you are interested in obtaining a free estimate for a new system installation, just call us today at 910-275-5451.
