Virtually everyone has heating and cooling systems in their homes; it’s no mistake that the industry for repairing and maintaining these systems is worth $71 billion.
But few homeowners know all that they should about their air conditioner, and many inaccuracies, myths and misguided beliefs abound when it comes to these devices.
Could all your knowledge of the heating and cooling units in your house be based in myth? Find out the facts with this list of the three most common air conditioning myths, debunked:
Myth: The lower you set your thermostat, the faster your house will cool down.
Fact: While it might seem logical to crank up the air conditioning to get quicker respite from the heat, the truth is that even the best heating and cooling systems deliver the desired temperature at the same rate, no matter how hot or cold that temperature is. By setting the temperature several degrees lower than you need it, you could actually be wasting energy and unnecessarily raising your monthly utility bills.
Myth: Ceiling fans will keep the house cool while you are away from home.
Fact: Leaving a ceiling fan on all day is, more than anything, a waste of energy. This is because the airflow from fans cools people down, but has no impact on the temperature of the air itself. To make the most use out of your ceiling fans, set them to spin counter-clockwise during the summer months — this will help direct air downward, creating a breeze.
Myth: Air conditioners only cool the air — nothing else.
Fact: While the obvious benefit of having air conditioning is its ability to keep your house’s temperature at a comfortable level, air conditioners perform another key function — regulating humidity. Humid air tends to feel hotter than dry air; by removing humidity from within your home, you can stay cooler and often save energy at the same time.
Have any other questions for us about your home heating and cooling systems or on how to seek out a home air conditioning repair? Feel free to ask by leaving a comment below.
