Staying cool is a big priority. Its location right on the coast guarantees a warm and humid climate. To keep you and your family comfortable, you should understand what’s true and false when it comes to your home air conditioner. Review the myths below to make sure you’re using your HVAC to its fullest extent and saving energy where you can.
Myth #1: Close Vents to Force Air to Other Areas
By closing vents, you don’t redirect air anywhere. Instead, you build pressure in the ductwork. Your HVAC air conditioning system will be most efficient when air is allowed to move throughout your home.
Myth #2: Shutting Doors Will Save on Cooling Bills
Again, this is false as anything that blocks airflow will get in the way of cooling down your house effectively. Instead of closing doors, make sure doors and vents are wide open all through your home.
Myth #3: Cranking Down the Thermostat Will Help
This is simply not true. Changing the thermostat to an extreme setting will not speed up the output of your furnace or your air conditioner, and instead, it will simply make them run longer. Choose a temperature you’re comfortable with, and leave the thermostat alone and you’ll be saving energy.
Myth #4: Fans Don’t Help in Empty Rooms
This one is actually true. Fans cool people, not air. If you have ceiling fans, set them to turn counterclockwise to create a downdraft.
Moving air will cool you directly. You may want to run your ceiling fans on low when you’re away to reduce hot air collecting at the ceiling, however.
Myth #5: Misters Will Cool You Down
Misters do not work well in Florida. Adding moisture to the air may help to cool temperatures in the desert, but adding humidity to your home or patio will likely only increase your discomfort. However, a kerchief placed in cool water and wrapped loosely at your neck can cool you down.
If your AC system isn’t keeping up, we can help. Contact Ellington Air Conditioning & Heat for an AC checkup and cleaning. If you require air conditioning repair or want to upgrade your system, we can help you put together a plan to keep your whole house more comfortable.