Many people have questions about their HVAC systems and air conditioning units, because they know that with the right changes and adjustments, they can noticeably reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency. Here at Galmiche & Sons, we have prepared this air conditioner FAQ guide, for people who are looking for this kind of information. Our AC FAQs will help you run your air conditioner more efficiently and keep you more comfortable all summer.
For any questions which are not mentioned in our air conditioner FAQ page, you can also get in touch with us directly online or by phone at 314-993-1110.
Air Conditioner FAQ: Are Ceiling Fans Actually Helpful?
The short answer is yes, they are. In fact, if a room has an adequately working ceiling fan, you can usually adjust your thermostat higher by about 4 degrees Fahrenheit, with no impact on comfort levels inside that room. Now, 4 degrees may not seem like much, but when you multiply that by your air conditioning usage over the course of a year, that can result in significant savings.
The general idea behind ceiling fans is that they create a wind chill effect, which enhances what the air conditioning is already doing. Since this helps people to feel cooler, your AC doesn’t have to work as hard, reducing energy consumption and your electric bill. To maximize this cost savings, be sure to turn off the ceiling fan whenever the room is empty. Remember that fans cool people, not spaces.
Air Conditioner FAQ: What Else Can I Do So That My AC Doesn’t Have to Work as Hard?
Aside from installing ceiling fans in your St. Louis home (as mentioned in the previous air conditioner FAQ), there are some other steps that you can do, so that your AC doesn’t have to work as hard, to keep your home cool.
- Use thick drapes or blackout curtains to keep out the sun’s heat, especially during the hotter parts of the day.
- Consider painting your roof white or a light color, so that more heat is reflected away from it, as opposed to being absorbed by the property.
- You can also use large plants or trees to provide shade to windows and other points of entry.
- Check the integrity of your home. Are there any gaps or spaces around your doors, windows, or in other areas where cool air can escape? If you find any, do the necessary weatherproofing and caulking to put a stop to this waste of cool air.
- If you have a doggie door that allows your pet to go out, make sure that it closes and seals properly when not in use. In a similar manner, you can have your storm or other doors automatically close so they are less likely to be accidentally left open, allowing cool air to escape.
Air Conditioner FAQ: What Thermostat Adjustments Can I Make So That My AC Will Run More Economically?
Like the previous air conditioner FAQ, this involves steps you can take so your AC doesn’t have to work so hard, except that for this air conditioner FAQ, the steps are connected to your thermostat. Steps include:
- Set your air conditioners to work less hard at night, especially when you are sleeping. Since the sun has already gone down, the thermostat can be set to a higher temperature without negatively affecting comfort.
- Similarly, set your AC to work less hard while people are away during the day. If your St. Louis home is empty with your family at work or school, there is no need for your AC to run at its usual strength. This doesn’t mean that you will turn it off. Instead, just adjust the temperature so that it is about 8 degrees higher than usual.
- Make a similar adjustment when you are away on vacation. This is actually a situation where having an internet-connected thermostat can be very useful because you can check on and make further adjustments, even from a remote location away from St. Louis.
Get Answers to Your Air Conditioner FAQs
If you would like to learn more about frequently asked questions about air conditioners or about heating & air conditioning in general contact us online or by phone at 314-993-1110. As a leading heating and cooling company serving the greater St. Louis area, a friendly staff member will be happy to answer your questions, schedule an appointment, or go over even more air conditioner FAQs with you.
