Your air conditioner can consume a lot of energy as it tries to keep you cool in the summer. In search of comfort and efficiency, many people have theories on how to tinker with your system. But some ideas about your AC are untrue, and they could even damage parts of your equipment. Here are some of the top six myths about summer cooling.
Myth #1: Lowering Your Thermostat Settings Helps You Save Energy
A common misconception about summer cooling is that lowering the settings will regulate interior temperatures faster. The idea behind the myth is to force the system to boost its cooling function and enhance comfort.
Unfortunately, turning down the temperature does not help your home cool faster. Typically, your system will still run at the same capacity but for longer. As a result, it can overwork your equipment, encouraging faster deterioration of the components.
Modern models utilize a variable-speed rather than a single-stage motor. Your equipment can speed up gradually to adjust to the cooling requirements of the room.
A single-stage AC can only run either at 100% capacity or zero. It, therefore, uses maximum energy regardless of the needs of the room. Variable-speed AC also outdoes single-stage motors in managing humidity within your home.
But even with a variable-speed AC, cranking the system up and down is also not effective. The best approach is to use a programmable thermostat.
If your AC is inefficient, you may want to schedule it for routine maintenance. Our cooling technicians can detect issues as they develop. You can trust Liberty Comfort Systems’s NATE-certified team in Anoka for an honest assessment of your cooling system.
Myth #2: A Bigger System Is More Effective at Cooling
During an AC installation, technicians have to evaluate the cooling demands of the home to determine a suitable AC size. An AC with a capacity smaller than the room cannot regulate temperatures effectively. Your equipment will struggle to remove warm air from the interior. As a result, it keeps AC running, speeding up the deterioration of critical components.
However, an oversize system is not necessarily the solution. If the capacity exceeds the requirements of the space, your equipment will shut off repeatedly to avoid excessive cooling. When your AC switches on and off, it increases the energy consumption of your system.
Technicians must consider several factors before they can determine the perfect capacity for your home.
They may assess the cross-sectional area of the walls and the total volume of interior air the AC will condition.
The technician also considers how direct sunlight will affect the AC during the installation process. The direction the house is facing determines the level of ambient heat that will modify temperatures indoors.
Myth #3: Ceiling Fans Can Lower Temperatures in the Room
Another common misconception is that ceiling fans can lower temperatures. Ceiling fans indeed facilitate the circulation of air around the room. In the process, it creates a breeze that can keep you cool.
However, the ceiling fans make you feel cooler when you are directly in their path. If you are in another room, you may not feel the benefits.
Additionally, the same effect you get from sitting under the fan does not apply to pets like dogs and cats. They do not sweat, but they manage to regulate their body heat through panting. If the room is humid, your pets can experience a heat stroke because there is limited evaporation.
If you have moisture problems in your home, you may want to consider a dehumidifier. Eliminating moisture allows your AC to meet your comfort needs without overworking. It also protects your furnishing and appliances from premature deterioration and microbial growth.
Myth #4: Closing Vents in Unoccupied Room Saves Energy
Another misconception is that closing the vents in unoccupied rooms will reduce energy consumption. Your cooling system is designed within certain pressure specifications. When you block the vents, it can create a lot of pressure buildup.
The higher pressure can restrict airflow and raise the temperature. Your equipment will work round the clock to meet your thermostat’s setting. So, closing the vents could end up increasing energy consumption.
If some areas of your home are often unoccupied, you may consider zoning. With zoning, you can create multiple temperature zones to match each room’s preferences. It allows you to accommodate different needs without overworking your air conditioner.
Additionally, you can use a heat pump for zoning systems to increase energy savings. You can talk to Liberty Comfort Systems’s A+ rated heat pump installation team in Anoka. Our patient staff will take the time to answer your questions and provide valuable insights.
Myth #5: Energy Losses in Your Home Are Primarily From Windows
Cavities around the windows and doors can contribute to energy losses in the building. But they are often not the culprits when the buildings have areas that leak conditioned air.
In most instances, the most probable cause is usually out of sight. It could be leakages within the network of ducts you’ve installed in your home. The joints can weaken with time or due to substandard installations. Sealing is crucial, especially where ductwork passes through crawlspaces or the attic.
Routine cleaning of your ductwork is essential if you have allergies or pets. Clogged ductwork can diminish the indoor air quality of your home. Corrosion and leaks will eventually let dust and debris seep into the interior.
It Is Advisable to Turn Off Your AC When You’re on Vacation
If you plan to leave your home for several days, you can turn your AC off in mild weather. Letting your AC run at the regular rate when the house is empty will only waste energy. But HVAC systems technicians advise it is better to raise the temperature settings.
The duration of your stay and the weather are important factors to consider when deciding whether to switch off the AC. If you are going away for more than a week, the heat and moisture can damage furniture and other valuable items.
You can raise the temperatures by between 5 and 10 degrees. That way, you can save energy without risking damage to parts of your home. But if you have pets, you are advised to leave the AC running closer to regular settings.
However, the best way to manage your home’s energy consumption while you are away is to use a smart thermostat. You can check up on your cooling system from a remote location. It can record your input and learn your preferred settings.
If your system breaks down unexpectedly, you should fix the issues as soon as possible. Minor faults tend to develop into problems that can frustrate you for many seasons to come. A timely service can address the malfunction and spot other components that could cause faults in the future. Our staff is available 24/7 for dependable repairs anywhere in Anoka.
When you call our team, you can expect nothing short of exceptional service. Liberty Comfort Systems has BBB accreditation with A+ ratings for HVAC services in Anoka. We can install heat pumps, mini-split systems, and boilers. Our team uses only quality replacement parts for heating installation, AC repairs, and furnace maintenance. We can handle virtually every model of AC equipment. Contact our friendly crew for an honest opinion on the heating and cooling system in Anoka.
