Here in Central Virginia, spring is in full swing! You’ve probably either switched from heating to cooling or cut off your system entirely, so it’s a great time to evaluate the health of your home comfort systems as they wind down from winter and prepare for warm days ahead. 

Here are three AC myths to be aware of as we head into the warmer months! 

Myth #1: A bigger cooling system is a better cooling system. 

If you’re nearing the end of your AC unit’s life and thinking about replacing it, take it from us: bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. What you should look for is a cooling unit that is proportional to your home.

If an AC unit is too large for the space, it can run the risk of being too efficient. It will short-cycle, frequently turning on and off because it achieves the set temperature too quickly. Because it’s running in such short windows of time, it won’t be able to dehumidify the air in your home efficiently. Not to mention, the constant shutting on and off causes wear and tear on the unit.

A new AC unit should last for about 15-20 years. It’s a long-term investment, so make sure you’re making the best decision by getting input from an HVAC professional on which system suits your space.

Myth #2: It’s better to keep your home cooler while you’re away so your system doesn’t have to work so hard when you return. 

It’s not uncommon to think that your unit will expend more energy when it has to bring down the temperature of your home by several degrees, and thus, you should keep it running all day so it doesn’t have to make such a big jump. However, that idea is a myth!

Running the AC all day is actually not sustainable for your system. Especially in the summer, when outside temperatures are sky-high, your system is forced to put a tremendous amount of energy into maintaining a constant temperature within the home.

Of course, if you’re a pet owner you need to keep your home cool and comfortable for your pets while you’re away. If you don’t have pets, you can try turning off the AC or setting the temperature a few degrees higher than what you prefer. Invest in a programmable thermostat so that you can turn up the cooling an hour or so before you get home! You’ll return home to a comfortable temperature and save a bit on your energy bill!

Myth #3: Ceiling fans keep rooms cooler.

Technically speaking, the room isn’t any cooler with a ceiling fan on. It only feels cooler because the air is moving. Fans also speed up the process of sweat evaporation, which is why they feel cooling on your skin.

All that to say, fans are only beneficial to your home in rooms where there is someone to feel their effects. Don’t waste energy by running fans while you’re not in the room!

We hope that debunking these energy usage myths taught you something new! If you’re looking for more ways to save energy this summer, follow along with us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter, where we share helpful homeowner tips every month.

Ready to get started? Give us a call at 434-298-2151 or schedule service on our website.