Don’t fall for these common misconceptions – your comfort (and wallet) will thank you.
Summer’s heating up, and you’re likely doing everything you can to keep your home cool and comfortable. But what if some of your go-to strategies are actually based on home cooling myths? Many homeowners unknowingly rely on outdated or misleading cooling tips that can waste energy, stress out your system, and inflate your utility bill.
Let’s bust four of the most common summer cooling myths so you can chill smarter—not harder.
Myth #1: Turning Your Thermostat Way Down Cools Your Home Faster
It’s a hot day, and you walk inside sweating—so naturally, you crank the thermostat down to 60. Makes sense, right?
Not quite.
Air conditioners run at a constant pace, regardless of the temperature you set. Turning your thermostat way down won’t cool your home faster; it just keeps your system running longer, using more energy and driving up your bill.
Pro tip: Avoid this home cooling myth by setting your thermostat at a comfortable temperature (around 74–76°F is ideal for many) and be consistent. That way, your AC system can keep up without overworking itself.
💬 This one sparks debate among homeowners—what’s your take?
Myth #2: Ceiling Fans Actually Cool the Room
Ceiling fans are a summer staple, and while they make a room feel cooler, they don’t actually change the temperature. Fans create a wind-chill effect on your skin, helping you feel more comfortable—but they don’t cool the air itself.
If no one’s in the room, running a fan is just spinning your wheels (literally and financially).
Pro tip: Use ceiling fans with your AC to boost comfort. Just remember to turn them off when you leave the room.
Myth #3: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy
This home cooling myth sounds logical, but it backfires. Closing vents can mess with the airflow balance in your HVAC system, causing pressure build-up and forcing your system to work harder—not smarter.
Worse yet, this added strain can lead to costly repairs over time.
Better strategy: Keep vents open and make sure your home is well-sealed and insulated to prevent cool air from escaping.
Myth #4: It’s Better to Leave the AC Running All Day
Some believe it’s more efficient to let the AC run all day rather than turning it off when you leave. But keeping your system running nonstop can be a big energy drain—especially when nobody’s home to enjoy it.
Solution: Invest in a programmable thermostat! These handy devices let you schedule temperature changes based on your lifestyle, so your home is cool when you need it and efficient when you don’t.
👉 Burch Oil and Propane offers programmable thermostats, complete with installation and training. Let us help you take control of your comfort and your energy bill.
Smart Cooling Starts Here
Now that you know the truth behind these cooling myths, you’re ready to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient all summer long.
Need help staying cool in Southern Maryland? Trust the HVAC pros at Burch Oil and Propane. From air conditioning installation and repair to hot water heaters, furnaces, boilers, and more—we’ve got you covered.
📞 Call us at (301) 373-2131 or visit burchoil.com to schedule your service today!
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