At Buehler Air Conditioning, we like to help to clear up some of our customers’ common misconceptions about their cooling systems. This way, their air conditioners can operate more efficiently and effectively and have a longer lifespan.

We care about your comfort, so in today’s guide we clear up a common AC myth: that closing or blocking off the air vents in certain rooms of the home can help to reduce AC usage and lower your costs. This isn’t the case, and it can actually end up costing you more!

The Problem with Closing Off Vents

When you close off the air vents in rooms of the home that you’re not using, the assumption is that the air conditioner doesn’t have to work so hard to keep you cool. With less of an area to cover, the AC cycles are shorter, which should save you energy, right? Not really.

Your air conditioner was designed to cool a certain amount of space—no more and no less. When the space it’s supposed to cool is reduced, the air conditioner short cycles, which is not a good thing.

A short-cycling air conditioner runs for shorter periods more frequently. And all of this starting and stopping really wears down the components. It also uses more energy, which is why your bills may actually be higher than if you simply left all of the vents open.

Safer Money-Saving Alternatives

Want to save money on your monthly AC bills and stay more comfortable? You might consider a zone control system, which involves putting dampers in the ducts to safely regulate the airflow moving into each room or zone of the home.

Also, be sure to set your thermostat to an efficient but comfortable temperature (we recommend about 78°) and raise the temperature by about 10° when you’re away. Making smarter energy choices via your thermostat can help you to save, as can changing the filter every month.

Call Buehler Air Conditioning for AC services throughout the Jacksonville, FL area. Make the good call today!

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