6 Home Cooling Myths That May Be Costing You More Than You Think
June, July, and August are Florida’s hottest months. As summer temperatures soar in the Sunshine State, it’s natural to look for ways to stay cool without boosting your energy bills. Unfortunately, not all the home cooling tips and tricks floating around are efficient or cost-effective.
We’re here today to debunk some common myths that could be driving up your energy bills and straining your HVAC system in the process.
Myth #1: Cranking the Thermostat Down Cools Your Home Faster
That’s not how HVAC systems work. Home cooling systems operate consistently, gradually lowering the temperature until it reaches the desired level, regardless of the setting. Sadly, setting your thermostat below your desired level won’t cool your home any faster. It will simply force your system to run longer than necessary, wasting energy and putting extra strain on the elements.
Worst of all, over time, this tactic could wear your system down faster, costing you far more than you expected without even delivering the desired results.
Myth #2: Leaving Ceiling Fans Running Will Keep Your Rooms Cooler
While fans help people feel cooler in a room, they don’t reduce the room’s actual temperature. All fans do is keep the air moving. As air moves across human skin, it accelerates the rate at which sweat evaporates, creating a cooling effect.
The room, however, is not cooled by the fan. Therefore, keeping a ceiling fan running in an empty room merely adds to your energy costs with no desired effect on the thermostat. This summer, make a point to turn fans off as you move from room to room.
Myth #3: When It Comes to AC Units, The Bigger the Better
It’s important to remember that HVAC systems not only cool the air but also dehumidify it. When systems work effectively, the rate of cooling and dehumidifying work in tandem. If, however, a home cooling system is too large or powerful for the space, the air will cool too quickly. As a result, the system will not run long enough to dehumidify the air properly. The result is a cool and damp home, which is not a winning combination.
Myth #4: It’s More Efficient to Leave the AC Running All Day
The rationale behind this home cooling myth is that running the AC system consistently helps maintain steady indoor temperatures. Over time, this is considered more cost-effective and energy-efficient than cooling a space back down after it warms up over several hours.
In reality, however, running the AC non-stop when no one is present to benefit wastes energy. An elegant solution to this conundrum is investing in a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature, ensuring you never return to an overly warm house.
Myth #5: Routine Maintenance Isn’t Necessary
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is a terrible approach to take with home cooling systems. Overlooking routine maintenance can lead to big problems and major repairs down the line.
Avoiding routine maintenance can lead to issues that include:
- Refrigerant leaks
- Clogged filters
- Dirty coils
Over time, “hidden” issues like these can lead to higher energy bills, unexpected breakdowns during peak seasons, and a shorter overall lifespan for your HVAC system.
Myth #6: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy
While this home cooling myth might sound logical, there’s a hidden flaw in this line of thinking. Closing specific vents while leaving others open can increase pressure in your ductwork. Not only does this lead to increased wear and tear, but it also causes your system as a whole to work harder.
Rather than relying on DIY methods that can endanger the long-term integrity of your HVAC system, consider consulting with experienced technicians from Mid-Fla Heating & Air. Together, we can create a solution that helps reduce energy expenses while protecting your AC system.
Mid-Fla Heating & Air Can Help
To save energy and stay comfortable during the dog days of Florida summer, start by separating home cooling myths from reality. Next, contact us to schedule a tune-up and stay cool without breaking the bank!
