Common AC System Efficiency Myths

Being that your air conditioner is one of the largest appliances inside of your home, it’s understandable that when it comes to saving energy, you’re probably looking for all kinds of ways to make your AC a lot more efficient.

In order to do that, it’s a good idea to know what some of the common AC system efficiency myths are; that way, by knowing the truth, you can put a plan into place that will save you money on your monthly energy costs.

Check out the five biggest AC system myths below:

An energy efficient air conditioner will definitely save you money. One of the biggest myths concerning AC system efficiency is the assumption that just because you have an energy efficient air conditioner, you’ll automatically save money. While it is true that more and more manufacturers are designing units in such a way that they are more efficient, it’s not going to matter much in your own home if the unit is not the right size for your house. The reality is that ones that are too small for your house will put more wear and tear on the system than it needs. That means you’ll probably be paying more on your bills and will need to have it replaced a lot quicker. You definitely should get the right size before installing your unit.

Closing your vents will reduce energy use. It would be nice if you could save energy simply by closing off your vents. But the reality is that once the air starts blowing through the ducts, the energy has already been expended. Something that you should do is consider installing a zoning system into your house. That way, rather than having just one thermometer, you can have several. It gives you more control over the temperatures that are in each room. For more information on zoning systems, visit Home.HowStuffWorks.com and put “zoning systems” in the search field.

Lowering your thermostat will make your home cooler. If you’ve always believed that lowering your thermostat can save you a few dollars, not only is that not true but it can also cause your unit to freeze up as well. That’s because when your thermostat is set really low, it can ultimately result in your evaporator coils freezing up and the internal part of your AC’s system to malfunction.

Keeping your doors and windows closed will prevent you from losing air. Can you help your unit to run more efficiently if you keep your doors and windows closed? The answer to that would be “yes” and “no”. Although you can keep more of the air from your unit inside of your house if your doors and windows are not opened, there will still be energy that seeps out if you have small holes or cracks along your windowsills or doors. So, conduct an energy audit to see if you have any cracks or holes. If so, purchase some caulking from your local home improvement store in order to seal them up. For information on how to conduct an energy audit, go to Energy.gov and put “DIY energy audit” in the search field.

You don’t need to hire an HVAC technician unless your unit needs to be repaired or replaced. If your AC was making funny noises, you’ve been thinking about upgrading your air handler or your unit is older than 10 years old and it’s time to have it replaced, you would contact a technician. However, it’s a myth that you should only see one if your AC needs repairs or it’s time to get a new one. Just like your vehicle, your unit needs a tune-up twice a year. That’s why you should make sure to contact a technician in your area for bi-annual assistance. For information on how to find a professional HVAC technician, visit Angie’s list and put “how to find a reputable HVAC technician” in the search field.