5 Air Conditioning Myths That Could be Costing You Money in Austin

Does closing off vents to unused rooms save you money? Actually no, this is a myth and it could actually cause damage by putting unnecessary stress on the system. Well, if this is a myth, how many other money-saving tips are wrong? Are you making these same mistakes in an effort to save money?  Here are the top 3 money-saving myths that end up costing you more money or causing you to need AC repair in Austin.

Myth #1: Leaving your air conditioner set on one temperature uses less energy. 

You would think that the less it cycles on and off, the less energy it would use but this is wrong.  It actually uses more energy to maintain a set temperature.  To use less energy and save more money, lower your thermostat when you are away from home or asleep. A programmable thermostat can help you save money by allowing you to set up to 4 different temperature setting for daytime or night.  It costs less for your AC to cool down from a 5 degree temperature difference than it does to run all day on one setting. In fact, you save an average of 1% for every decrease by one degree in temperature.  To be effective the setback must be for a minimum of 8 hours.

Myth #2: Setting your air conditioner on the lowest setting will cool the house down faster.

This is a myth; it does not cool the house off any faster to set it lower than the usual temperature.  

The air conditioner cools the air by drawing hot air in, passing it over super –cooled coils containing a refrigerant and blowing the cooled air out through the ductwork and out the vents. This process takes a certain amount of time and cannot be sped up to finish sooner. This method just uses more energy and makes your AC work harder to do the same job. Overworking your air conditioner can result in an unexpected AC repair or possibly a complete replacement.

Myth #3: Ceiling fans used with your AC keep rooms cooler.

Using your fans with the air conditioner does help save money but it does not cool rooms off. A ceiling fan or oscillating fan only cools the air around a person; it cannot cool the room off. It feels cooler to you when the air is blowing directly on you. How this saves money is that with the fan helping to cool your body, you can turn your air conditioner up a few degrees and still feel cool.  Using this method you can set your thermostat up to 5 degrees warmer saving you money for each hour you keep it at the higher temperature. Using your air conditioner less reduces wear and tear on your system, saves money and helps you avoid AC repair bills.

Myth #4: Closing off vents to unused rooms saves energy and makes other rooms cooler.

Yes, this used to be effective with the older systems but newer ones work differently and this can cause too much pressure buildup within the system and can cause ductwork to split and your motor to seize. So, if you want to save money it is better to lower your thermostat when you go to work and when you go to bed at night. A temperature setback for 8 to 10 hours a night will help significantly to lower your energy costs.

Myth#5: Insulation and weather stripping only applies to furnaces and heating.

Why is this wrong? Because the best way to retain heat or keep cool is to create an airtight environment or an “envelope” around your home, this keeps air leaks from making your AC or furnace work harder to maintain the temperature. Weather stripping, insulation and keeping windows covered during the hottest part of the day all help your air conditioner keep you cooler and use less electricity.

Tips:
•    Closing off vents can damage your cooling system by creating too much pressure.
•    Pre-set thermostat setting save more money.
•    The system cools at one rate and cannot be “sped up” to cool faster.
•    A fan cools the air around your body making you feel cooler, not the room.
•    Insulation and weather stripping also help keep your home cool as well as warm.

Now that you know the truth, you can optimize your air conditioning efforts so that you use less energy and save money. ABA Heating and Cooling are the experts in furnace and AC repair and maintenance. Call us for more information or to request HVAC service.

5 Reasons Why You Should Have a Maintenance Plan for Heating and Cooling

Frigidaire (Photo credits: Best Buy)

Your AC is your best friend during the hot Austin summer months and you certainly don’t want it to break down on the day you need it the most. That is why it is important to keep it in tip top shape and running efficiently to keep your home cool and comfortable during those sweltering summer days and nights.

Your AC repair company or HVAC service may offer a regular maintenance program for heating and cooling systems for a small monthly fee. While some might think it is an added expense that is unnecessary, it can save extend the life of your air conditioner and save you money on costly repairs or even replacements. Here are a few reasons why you should get a maintenance plan if it is offered:

Avoid Your AC breaking down

This is probably the number one most important reason, avoiding a breakdown. There are usually signs that something is going on, like a loud noise or a grinding sound, and quite often we ignore it hoping it will go away. The truth is that ignoring it long enough will make it go away but not in the way you think. The noise will stop because your AC is no longer working. A system that is not well maintained is a problem waiting to happen, and usually at the most inconvenient time.

Discounts and Specials

If you are a regular customer you may be entitled to special discounts and services as a reward for continued service. These discounts can be applied to anything from AC repair in Austin to a new installation of a high-efficiency system. You may also be eligible for special response time during holidays and times when they are particularly busy. With a service plan that means if something happens a technician can be there within a couple hours instead of a couple of days to fix it. This is extremely important on those hot August days when temperatures hit 90 degrees and above.

Save Money on Utilities

A system that is not working properly consumes more energy because it has to work harder to compensate. A dirty air filter, clogged condensate drain or parts that need replaced can’t function at their best and will often need more time to complete tasks which means that your system will cycle more often or continuously until those repairs are made costing you more money. Regular maintenance will spot problems early on before they have a chance to cause damage.

Pay Less for Scheduled AC Repair

With a maintenance plan you will pay less for repairs because your costs are included in your flat rate service. Your plan is set at a low rate that includes all the fees and costs so you don’t have to pay separately for any service. Parts and labor are included, often at a discount so you will never pay the full rate.

Convenient

Having someone else to remember when your system needs a cleaning is very convenient. The appointments are scheduled when it is convenient for you taking the hassle out of making service calls.

A preventative maintenance plan saves money, time and extends the life of your cooling system. It is much more costly to have to call for emergency service or to have to purchase a whole new system if it cannot be repaired. Keeping your AC in good working order ensures that it will be there when you need it.

Here are a few of the services that are included in a maintenance plan:

•    Check thermostat
•    Lubricate all moving parts
•    Clean condensate drain
•    Tighten hoses and connections
•    Monitor refrigerant
•    Clean coils
•    Check air filters
•    Check equipment for tears or signs of wear

If you would like more information on service plans or you need AC repair in Austin, contact us for quick and speedy service.

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