Now that summer is here in the Twin Cities, some eternal myths about air conditioning will make their rounds. However, if you can separate the truth from the baloney, you can save money this summer while improving comfort. Here’s the real scoop on five popular home cooling myths.
Myth: Ceiling Fans Reduce Room Temperature
No matter how strongly a fan is blowing in a room, it won’t change the temperature. A ceiling fan creates a wind-chill effect for anyone who feels the air movement, making a room feel cooler without altering the temperature. The only way you’ll save energy by using a ceiling fan is if you raise the thermostat temperature a few degrees. You can do this and save energy without any loss of comfort.
Myth: The Bigger the A/C, the Better
An air conditioning system should be sized to handle your home’s precise cooling load. If it’s too large, problems like wasted energy, uneven cooling in rooms, a stressed air handler and compressor parts, and inadequate dehumidification will arise.
Myth: An Air Conditioner’s Only Benefit Is Cooling
Cooling is certainly an important benefit of an A/C, but if your cooling system is working correctly, it also should remove moisture from your home’s air. This creates better comfort and saves energy.
Myth: Cranking the Thermostat Cools the Home Faster
It’s a popular misconception that you can cool a home more quickly by cranking the temperature 10 degrees cooler than you really want it. But the A/C won’t arrive at your desired temperature any more quickly. A/Cs are designed to deliver cool air at a consistent pace.
Myth: You’ll Save More If the A/C Stays On
When an A/C is turned off, or is running at a greatly reduced level, it uses less energy than if it’s running at its regular level.
For more information on separating truth from fiction with common home cooling myths, please contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about home cooling and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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