When it comes to heating and air conditioning, people want to be both comfortable and energy efficient- especially during a hot Alabama summer. Because of this, people often seek out advice, tips, and DIY tricks. Many people look to the internet for this kind of information, which isn’t necessarily the best general source of information. While some of the sources are useful, it’s also true that some of it could lead you in the wrong direction. When dealing with your HVAC system, a simple mistake can cause an array of issues.
Below are some of the most common myths being spread about heating and air conditioning, along with some ideas of what you could be doing instead.
Adjusting the Temperature
Myth #1: There’s no use in adjusting the temperature of the heating or air conditioning when leaving the house.
Truth #1: Turning down the temperature in the winter and turning it up in the summer will actually help to lower your energy bill. People often do this when they plan on being out all day or when they’re going to sleep. If you’re more worried about comfortability, look into a programmable thermostat. This way, the temperature will automatically adjust around your schedule. Many students have headed back to school in Huntsville, so it is the perfect time to invest in a programmable thermostat.
Maintenance
Myth #2: It’s not worth having your air conditioning and heating systems serviced regularly.
Truth #2: Some believe that this is a waste of time and money, but it’s in fact the opposite. Scheduling maintenance on your system with Bunn’s and Bennett will help keep it running longer and more efficiently. The older a system gets, the more worn the moving parts become. They need to be lubricated and the system needs to be checked for other issues that could be slowing the system down. Rather than waiting and making an emergency repair call or having to replace the entire unit, maintenance tasks can be done in a quick and easy manner and is definitely the most affordable option in the long run.
High Temperatures
Myth #3: Your home will heat up quickly if the thermostat is set to a high temperature.
Truth #3: The temperature the thermostat is set to has no correlation with the speed. Setting the thermostat to 60° will not help it get to 70° faster. The thermostat will reach 70° at the same time as it would if you originally set it to 70°. If you don’t want your house reaching 60°, you’ll eventually have to put it back to the desired temperature anyway. Don’t risk wasting energy. The same goes for air conditioning as well.
Fans
Myth #4: The use of fans will decrease the energy used by the air conditioner.
Truth #4: A fan’s function is just to circulate the air, not to cool it. The same amount of energy is still needed for the air conditioner to reach the set temperature. Using just a fan will help save energy, but using both will just increase energy use.
Versatility
Myth #5: The only function of an air conditioning unit is good for is cooling.
Truth #5: An air conditioner doesn’t only have that one function. While cooling the air is an obvious function, and the main reason why people invest in them, that’s not the only job for which it’s responsible. An air conditioner is also in charge of decreasing the humidity in a home. Humidity makes the air feel warmer, so air conditioners help prevent this. High humidity in your home can cause problems like mold, lower air quality, and even odors.
Space Heaters
Myth #6: Using space heaters in a couple of rooms is cheaper than running a gas heating system.
Truth #6: Natural gas is cheaper than using electricity, even if the space heater is occupying a small space. For the same cost, a space heater will only warm half the space compared to a gas furnace. It’s better to have the one heating system running, rather than three or four space heaters.
Contact Bunn’s and Bennett
Now that you’ve learned about the different myths and truths regarding heating and air conditioning, you may feel like an expert! Just remember that Bunn’s and Bennett HVAC is always one call away for any issues you may have. Bunn’s & Bennett Heating & Air Conditioning has become the premier air conditioning and heating provider in the Huntsville, Alabama area. For more information on our services, call us at 256-536-0967 or email us at [email protected].
