At JPS Furnace and Air Conditioning, our certified technicians hear all sorts of myths about how to keep down electrical costs without sacrificing comfort. While many of these myths may seem sensible, they can actually cost you more money and aggravation in the long run. Don’t be fooled by misinformation and hearsay—here are some of the most common air conditioner myths debunked.

A Portable Fan Can Do the Trick

Many people believe that a portable fan is all that is needed to keep an area cool and comfortable. Fans are great for keeping you cool if you’re standing directly in front of them; however, they are not an effective cooling strategy for an entire house. Fans simply redistribute the air in your home, but they don’t actually cool the air down like an air conditioner does, so they can provide temporary relief but they won’t make your home any cooler or more comfortable overall.

Turn the Thermostat Lower for Faster Air Conditioning

Many people believe that the lower they turn the thermostat, the quicker cold air will circulate through their homes. Most central air conditioners are made to work at a continuous rate and then turn off once your home reaches the desired temperature, saving you money on electricity. Turning your thermostat lower will make your home colder but it won’t happen any faster.

It’s More Energy-Efficient to Leave the Unit at the Same Temperature than Adjust the Thermostat When Your Leave the House

It’s a commonly held belief that it takes a lot of energy to change the thermostat temperature so it’s better to leave your air conditioner at the same temperature all day rather than adjusting the thermostat when you leave the house. However, this is not the case—adjusting the temperature doesn’t use any more energy than keeping the thermostat the same. If you raise the thermostat even by a few degrees when you leave the house for the day, you’ll save a significant amount of energy and money.

Before you commit to an HVAC system, it’s important that you have all of the facts. For more information about HVAC systems and to have your air conditioner installed, repaired or replaced, contact us today at JPS Furnace and Air Conditioning.