Can You Separate Residential Heating and Cooling Fact From Fiction? What’s True May Surprise You.
Spend just a few minutes using an Internet search engine, and you’ll come across an abundance of “advice” about checking your air conditioning system in time for summer, tips for saving money, and even instructions for troubleshooting your equipment issues. But along with the wealth of information available, there are numerous misconceptions and myths surrounding air conditioning that seem to grow online!
With all the quick tips and tricks around, it’s important that you have the correct information at your fingertips so you can make informed decisions about your residential heating and cooling.
Residential HVAC Myth 1: Lowering the Thermostat Temperature Will Cool Your Home Faster
One of the most common misconceptions is that setting your thermostat to an extremely low temperature will expedite the cooling process. In reality, air conditioners operate at a consistent rate, regardless of the thermostat setting.
Setting the temperature lower than desired actually results in the system running longer than necessary, wasting energy and potentially overcooling your home. Instead, set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature and allow the system to work efficiently to maintain it.
Residential HVAC Myth 2: A Smart Thermostat Doesn’t Make Much Of a Difference When It Comes to Controlling Residential Heating and Cooling
Though smart thermostats will set you back a manageable cost upfront, their superior ability to adjust to your home’s interior temperature all year round have changed the way we heat and cool our homes. Many homeowners now add smart thermostats when getting residential heating installation, as they are an incredible development in affordable and efficient heating and cooling systems.
A smart thermostat adjusts your home’s interior temperature by following a program you create and enter into an easy-to-use smartphone app and uses machine learning to adjust your home’s temperature when it senses you aren’t home. Don’t worry; the machines aren’t fully taking over. You can still manually change your schedule at any time, and select appropriate settings based on the temperature in the home and outside.
Many users find smart thermostats to be the most convenient choice because they require so little manual adjustment. Most of the time you won’t even need to change it yourself as it automatically adjusts your home’s temperature settings to ensure the most efficient function of your air conditioner and set to the ideal home temperature. And because smart thermostats let you control your system from anywhere, you can ensure your home is the right temperature even when you’re on vacation or at work.
Residential HVAC Myth 3: Closing Vents In Unused Rooms Saves Energy
Although it may seem logical to close vents in rooms that are not in use to redirect airflow to occupied areas, this practice can actually disrupt the balance of your HVAC system and increase energy consumption.
Modern residential heating and cooling systems are designed to distribute air evenly throughout the home, and closing vents can cause air pressure imbalances, leading to strain on the system and potential damage. Instead, keep all vents open to maintain proper airflow and system efficiency.
Residential HVAC Myth 4: Bigger Air Conditioners Are Always Better
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that installing a larger air conditioner will provide better cooling performance and faster results. However, oversized units can lead to short-cycling, where the system turns on and off too frequently, resulting in uneven cooling, increased energy consumption, and premature wear and tear on components. The same goes for residential heating installation; there’s one right size for your home!
Consult with a professional HVAC technician to determine the appropriate size for your home based on factors such as square footage, insulation, windows, and local climate.
Residential HVAC Myth 5: All Air Conditioning Systems Are Created Equal
Air conditioners vary in many aspects, including size, energy-efficiency, and individual features. Just like the homes they cool, different AC units might suit different needs, lifestyles and types of family, so it’s important to do your research.
Some air conditioning manufacturers, like Ruud, are specifically designed to offer high performance, durability, and smart thermostat compatibility. The Endeavor™ line is engineered to leave a smaller carbon footprint and save money on utility bills, an added bonus for St. Louis families.
Ruud equipment is often more affordable than other brands and is worth consideration for anyone looking to upgrade their old HVAC system with new equipment.
Residential HVAC Myth 6: Regular Maintenance Isn’t Necessary for New Air Conditioners
Although new air conditioners are more reliable than old ones past their prime, they still require regular HVAC maintenance to ensure optimal performance and long-term function. Routine maintenance tasks performed by a professional are essential for maximizing efficiency, preventing malfunction of your system, and keeping utility costs low.
Energy bills can be up to 20% higher for HVAC systems that are not subject to regular maintenance when compared to systems that have regular inspections. For optional air conditioning functioning, ensure you find a trusted HVAC provider in your area.
Trust Local Professionals for Residential HVAC Maintenance and Guidance You Can Rely On
Instead of turning to the Internet to look for information about how to take care of your air conditioner, talk to an HVAC maintenance pro in your city instead. They can guide you through the best practices for maintenance and operation to ensure your home is comfortable during AC season.