These “Energy Saving” Air Conditioning Tips May Actually Cost You
You may be running up quite a bill staying cool during the hot summer months in East Texas. You use electricity nearly around the clock, so there are definitely opportunities for savings. There are however some misguided ideas floating around in the world about saving energy on air conditioning while remaining comfortably cool.
Unfortunately, some of these ideas just don’t work and may even end up wasting you energy and precious dollars. Read further to see which air conditioner energy savings myths you should forget so you don’t waste your money and power.
1. Turning Your Thermostat Lower Means Faster Cooling
When you turn the temperature down to an especially low degree, it really won’t help to cool your home faster. AC systems produce a set amount of cool air at a certain speed during their operation in order to bring the temperature down to your desired setting. This means that if you set the thermostat 15 degrees lower, it will not cool your home at a faster rate than if you had simply turned it down by 3 degrees.
You really should set the thermostat to whatever temperature you think will be most comfortably cool for you, then wait for your system to get there. Setting your thermostat to a very low temperature will just result in your AC system working harder, increasing wear and tear and wasting energy, and possibly even causing an unwanted breakdown.
2. Ceiling Fans Keep Your House Colder
A ceiling fan circulates the air in a room, making it feel cooler—a good reason to have ceiling fans—but a fan will not bring the room’s measurable temperature down. Some people will leave their fan running, even if no none is in the room, hoping the fan will cool the area.However, if no one is around to feel the fan circulating the air, it’s no use to leave it running. In reality, this will simply run up your energy bill without giving you real cooling power.
3. Closing Off Vents Saves Energy
An AC system works to distribute air throughout your home in equal amounts. When vents are closed, air pressure will increase in the air ducts. Not only will the extra pressure cause your system to increase its workload and energy usage, but the pressure will also result in more air leaking through unsealed or loose connections of your duct system. Make sure to always leave all vents opened for optimal cooling.
Call Alco Air For Your AC Maintenance for Energy Saving Efficiency
Call the certified Alco Air technicians today at (903) 309-1330 for 5-star AC maintenance . There are still a few more months left of the hot Texas summer, so don’t risk your system failing you and leaving you without cool air.