Busting Common HVAC Energy Efficiency Myths With Your AC Repair Company | Southlake, TX
Energy efficiency is a buzzword in the cooling and heating industry. This is because no homeowner wants to spend more money on their home comfort than required. Therefore, many Southlake, TX homeowners are searching for modern means of heating their homes that are energy efficient. They want an AC repair company to integrate their homes with IFTTT through smart air conditioning unit controllers. Others are leveraging smart thermostat controllers in their heating and cooling. However, many pervasive myths have led homeowners to spend more than they should on heating and cooling their homes. Below are some of the misconceptions about energy efficiency.
Extreme Thermostat Settings Equals Faster Comfort
Some homeowners make the mistake of thinking that turning the thermostat to extremely high or low temperatures will help the home reach a comfortable temperature faster. However, any experienced and reputable AC repair company will tell you this is different. Setting the thermostat to 88 degrees will not make the home reach 70 degrees faster than setting it to 70 degrees. This practice will only lead to energy waste if you do not adjust the thermostat as soon as the desired temperature is reached. Turning the thermostat to a higher setting will use more energy than necessary to heat or cool your home.
To avoid this, it is best to set the thermostat to the temperature needed for your space and not exceed your preferred comfort settings. This way, not only will you save energy, but you will also avoid putting unnecessary strain on your heating or cooling system. Additionally, consider having an AC repair company install a programmable thermostat, allowing you to adjust the temperature automatically based on your schedule.
Closing the Air Vents Will Improve Efficiency
Some homeowners believe closing vents in unused rooms can save energy and decrease utility bills. Ask any AC repair company in Southlake, TX; they will tell you this is just a misconception. The layout of a home’s ductwork is designed to cover the entire house, and the system will always strive to balance the air pressure throughout the home. Closing vents in unused rooms alter the air pressure balance, decreasing energy efficiency over time.
Instead of closing vents, a more efficient way to create zones in your home is to have an AC repair company install multiple ductless mini-split systems. These systems allow you to control the temperature in specific areas of your home without affecting the overall air pressure balance. This can help you save money on your energy bills while keeping your home comfortable.
Keeping the Ceiling Fan On for Effective Cooling
This is another misconception your trusted AC repair company would want to clear out. Ceiling fans may seem like they cool your home, but they only create a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler. This means that if no one is home to enjoy the wind-chill effect of your ceiling fan, it’s best to turn it off to save energy. Running a ceiling fan in an empty home won’t do any good, as it doesn’t lower the room’s temperature. Instead, it only provides a sensation of coolness, which is only effective when someone is present to feel it.
You Should Often Adjust the Thermostat
Other homeowners believe that frequently adjusting their thermostat settings throughout the day is the best way to save energy with their air conditioner. They think turning off the system whenever they feel comfortable reduces their energy usage. However, this is a myth. The most energy-efficient way to use an HVAC system is to keep the temperatures set consistently over a long period. This is because the more often the thermostat settings are adjusted, the more energy the system will use.
When the thermostat is adjusted frequently, the air conditioner must work harder to reach the desired temperature. This requires more energy and can lead to increased utility bills. In contrast, if the temperature is set consistently, the air conditioner can run at a steady state, using less energy and ultimately saving you money. Additionally, constantly adjusting the thermostat can cause wear and tear on the HVAC system, necessitating a call to an AC repair company in Southlake, TX.
Most of the Conditioned Air Is Lost Through the Windows
Air conditioner energy efficiency is a topic of concern for many homeowners. The other myth that needs to be addressed is that windows are the only area where air loss can occur. Ask your AC repair company, and you will learn that the air will escape many other places. However, according to ENERGY STAR, a significant portion of air loss, up to 30 percent, can happen through leaky ductwork in the average home. Additionally, air can escape through other parts of the home if proper maintenance is not performed to create a well-sealed envelope. This can include gaps around doors, baseboards, and electrical outlets. Furthermore, hot air can rise and escape through the ceiling without proper insulation.
To minimize lost air and improve energy efficiency, it is essential to have an AC repair company seal and insulate ductwork. This can help prevent significant air loss and improve the overall performance of your HVAC system. From there, homeowners should mindfully insulate and seal other areas around the home, such as gaps around doors and baseboards, to ensure that the heated or cooled air stays where it is intended. By addressing these issues, homeowners can create a space that is not only more energy-efficient but also more comfortable to live in.
Not everything that you’ll hear out there can help with your cooling or energy efficiency. Some are just misconceptions that will result in you using more energy than required. Are you confused about any aspect of heating? Do you have a burning question about home heating or cooling? Contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth to clarify doubts. Our consultation and estimate are free.