Cincinnati Air Conditioning Myths & Why They’re Costing You

With HVAC energy use consuming approximately half of every Cincinnati homeowner’s energy budget each year, it’s normal to search for ways to lower your cooling use over the summer. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of misinformation out there – the air conditioning hacks you’re using may actually be costing you, not keeping you cool for less. Below are some common “tricks” homeowners use to stay cool while cutting energy use which aren’t performing the way you think they are.

Air Conditioning Myth: Lower thermostat setting = quicker cooling

Whatever you do, DO NOT crank your thermostat down to 50 degrees in hopes that your home will get cooler quicker – that’s not how your system works! Your air conditioner will run until the set temperature is achieved; if your thermostat is set to 50 degrees (or some other very low temperature), you’re really just forcing your system to work more, because it’s going to take much longer to hit that mark than a reasonable 70 degrees.

Air Conditioner Myth: Ceiling fans = constant cooling

Many homeowners are misinformed about the way a ceiling fan works to keep them cool; they do not generate cooling on their own rather they work with the air conditioning system to make you feel cooler. Leaving them running when the air conditioning is off won’t do you any good if you’re not in the room, so don’t leave your fans running in unoccupied areas or when you’re not home. Doing so will cost you energy that you’re not actually benefitting from.

Air Conditioning Myth: Leave your air conditioner on all day

While leaving your air conditioner running all day will guarantee you come home to a comfortable house, it’s not cost effective. This myth has spread due to the misconception that it is cheaper to cool a home that is kept at a reasonable temperature all day rather than a higher temperature setback. In reality, your air conditioner costs you whenever it’s running – it is smarter to set back your thermostat during the hours you’ll be gone, and have your air conditioner cool to a lower temperature when you come home; you’ll be running the system less, consuming less energy.

For more information on how to use your air conditioning system wisely and save energy this summer, contact Nelson Comfort today!

About The Author

Dan Detmer

Dan Detmer is the owner of Nelson Comfort. Dan was born into the heating and cooling industry, coming from a family of well respected HVAC contractors in Dayton, Ohio. After working in the family business, Dan decided to work for a local HVAC wholesale business helping local contractors grow their business. When he felt his heart moving him back into the residential and light commercial business, Dan joined the Mortimer Heating & Cooling team in Cincinnati, where he had called home and become part of the community for several years. After a short period of time Dan purchased the company and created what is today, Nelson Comfort. Today he operates a company based on integrity, honesty, and stellar customer service. If you have any questions feel free to tweet (at sign) NelsonComfort and we will get right back with you!