Over time, homeowners have encountered some erroneous advice regarding their central air conditioning systems, often from inexperienced or untrustworthy contractors. While some of this advice may seem plausible, it’s essential to set the record straight to potentially save money on summer electricity bills.
- Temperature Settings Misguided advice: Maintain the same temperature on your air conditioner while away from home to ensure your return to a comfortable environment.
Wise advice: Instead, increase the thermostat temperature by 10 degrees when leaving for extended periods. This reduces compressor usage, saves electricity, and manages humidity. Consider using programmable thermostats for convenience.
- Using Ceiling Fans Misguided advice: Keep ceiling fans running constantly to reduce air conditioner runtime and save on electricity.
Wise advice: Ceiling fans cool individuals through evaporation, not rooms. They don’t lower room temperature but can create a wind-chill effect. Turn them off when rooms are unoccupied to avoid unnecessary electricity consumption.
- Size of Your System Misguided advice: Opt for the largest air conditioning system within your budget to ensure comprehensive cooling coverage.
Wise advice: Invest in a properly sized system recommended by a licensed HVAC professional. Oversized systems lead to short cycling, increasing energy consumption and inefficiency.
- Open or Closed Vents Misguided advice: Close vents in unoccupied rooms to save on cooling costs.
Wise advice: Closing vents traps cool air within ducts, leading to inefficiency. Consider zoned cooling systems for more effective temperature control.
- Catching a Cold Misguided advice: Limit air conditioning usage to avoid catching a summer cold.
Wise advice: While chilled air can make you more susceptible to illness, the common cold is caused by viruses, not temperature alone. Maintain air quality by changing HVAC filters regularly and practicing good hygiene.
For expert advice and maintenance checks, contact Experts In Your Home.