5 Common Myths About Cooling Your Home (And the Truth Behind Them)

This summer has been HOT, so air conditioning is top of many people’s minds. When it comes to keeping cool, there’s a lot of misinformation out there. From how quickly your AC can cool things down to tips on saving energy, these myths can lead to ineffective cooling and actually cause higher energy bills.

Let’s debunk five of the most common myths about cooling our homes and offices, so you can stay cool and not break the bank this summer:

Myth 1: Cranking the AC Will Cool Your Home Faster

The Truth: Turning your thermostat down really low doesn’t actually cool your home any faster. Air conditioners work at a constant rate regardless of the thermostat setting. When you set the thermostat really low, your AC will just run longer to reach that temperature. The only thing this accomplishes is to potentially overcool the space and use more energy than necessary. For more effective cooling, consider using a fan to help circulate air or close window treatments and blinds during the day to keep the sun’s heat out.

Myth 2: Leaving the AC on All Day is Cheaper Than Turning It On and Off

The Truth: Many people think that leaving their air conditioning on while they’re out will save energy because the system won’t have to work as hard to cool the home down later. All this does is use energy consistent through the day as your AC runs (while you’re not home). The most energy efficient approach is to turn your AC off when you’re out, or use a programmable thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, you can set it  to lower the temperature before you return. This way, you’re not cooling an empty home for hours on end, driving up your energy bill. Rather, you’re giving your AC a chance to cool your house off a bit before you arrive so you’re more comfortable and your energy use is more reasonable.

Myth 3: Ceiling Fans Cool Your Home Even When You’re Not in It

The Truth: Ceiling fans are great, and they do create a “wind-chill effect” that helps a space feel cooler. They don’t actually reduce a room’s temperature, however. Leaving a fan on in an empty room wastes energy, so turn off fans when you’re not in the room. When used properly, fans will keep air moving and push cool air down into the room so you can raise your thermostat setting a few degrees without sacrificing comfort.

Myth 4: A Bigger AC Unit Will Cool Your Home Better

The Truth: When it comes to air conditioning, bigger is not always better. An oversized AC unit will cool a room quickly, but there are downsides. For one, it may not run long enough to remove humidity from the air which can leave you feeling cooler but sticky. Properly sizing an air conditioner to your rooms helps it run at peak efficiency and provides balanced cooling. An HVAC professional can help you choose the right size unit for your space.

Myth 5: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy

The Truth: Closing vents in unused rooms may seem like a great way to cut cooling costs, but it can backfire. Most central air conditioning systems are sized and designed to cool a specific amount of space. When vents get closed, pressure builds up in the ductwork, potentially causing leaks or stress to the unit. If you want to save energy, it’s wiser to invest in a programmable thermostat or consider installing zones to your cooling system.

Fact: Good Habits Save You Money

Buying into these cooling myths can lead to inefficient cooling, higher energy bills, and even strain on your AC system. Straining your system leads to more breakdowns and repairs, and a shorter lifespan.

By understanding how your air conditioner actually works, you can keep your home comfortable and operate your unit efficiently. You may have to adjust a few of your habits, but your comfort level and your energy savings bills won’t suffer!

Gelinas HVAC is here to help – from service and repairs to annual inspections and cleaning or new system installation – CONTACT US for all your air conditioning needs!