8 Lies About Your AC You’ve Probably Believed

Air conditioning myths can steer you wrong just when you need to stay cool and save money. With all the advice floating around, it’s easy to buy into some common AC misconceptions. Before you tweak your thermostat or mess with your vents, let’s set the record straight.

We’re looking at 9 popular air conditioning myths that you’ve probably believed were true.

Myth: Your AC Can Make You Sick

Have you ever been told that cranking up the AC will give you a cold? Well, that’s not exactly how it works. Colds come from viruses, not from being chilly.

Sure, blasting the AC might make you feel a bit uncomfortable if it’s too cold, but it’s not going to make you sick. If the cool air isn’t comfortable, just adjust the temperature to a more comfortable level.

Myth: The Lower the Temp, The Quicker It Will Cool

We’ve all tried cranking down our thermostats to see if the house will cool down a little faster. Sadly, that’s not quite how it works. Air conditioners cool at a constant rate, regardless of how low you set the temperature.

So, setting it lower than needed doesn’t speed things up, it just keeps your AC running longer than necessary. Instead, set your thermostat to a comfortable level from the get-go.

Myth: Close the Vents in Rooms You Don’t Use to Push More Air to Rooms You Do Use

It probably sounds logical to close off vents to unused rooms, right? Well, doing so won’t save you much, if any, energy. Your home’s HVAC system is designed to circulate air throughout the entire space, and it’s tuned for optimal airflow.

When you close vents, it actually throws the system off balance, potentially reducing its efficiency and increasing wear and tear on the blower.

Myth: Your AC Unit is Ready for Summer Without Prep Works

Think your AC is just set to go after sitting idle all winter? Not quite! Like getting your car ready after it’s been parked for a while, your AC needs a bit of TLC before the summer heat hits.

Take some time to clean around the unit, check the coolant levels, and change out the fan filter. A little preseason maintenance can help ensure your AC runs smoothly and efficiently when you really need it, which will help you to avoid mid-summer breakdowns and pricey repairs.

Myth: Bigger Is Always Better

It’s a common misconception that a bigger AC unit is always the way to go. But the truth is, size matters in a Goldilocks kind of way—not too big, not too small, but just right for your space. An oversized unit turns on and off too frequently, causing wear and tear and inefficient energy use.

On the other hand, an undersized unit will run nonstop, struggling to cool your home and burning out faster. Always match the AC to the size of the area you’re cooling for optimal performance and longevity.

Myth: It’s More Cost Effective to Hold On to An Old AC Than to Buy a New One

Holding onto that ancient air conditioner might seem like a money-saver, but it’s actually a budget buster in the long run. Old units are less efficient, more prone to breakdowns, and more expensive to repair. Plus, they just don’t cool as effectively.

If your AC is over a decade old, consider upgrading to a new model. Modern air conditioners are more energy-efficient and reliable, and can significantly reduce your monthly energy bills.

Myth: Fans Will Cool You Down

Got a fan spinning overhead and think it’s actually cooling down the room? Fans don’t cool rooms; they cool people. By moving air around, fans enhance the evaporation from your skin, making you feel cooler even when the temperature is the same.

This breezy effect means you can bump up your thermostat a bit—try setting it above 78 degrees. Each degree you go up can save you five to 10 percent on your air conditioning costs.

Myth: No Need to Clean Fins and Coils

Think your AC’s fins and coils are just fine gathering dust? Think again. These components are crucial for transferring heat, and when they’re coated in grime, your air conditioner has to work harder. This not only costs you more on your energy bills but can also shorten your system’s lifespan.

To keep things running smoothly, give your AC a thorough clean at the start of the summer and check it periodically—especially after windy days or storms. A little maintenance can go a long way in keeping your cooling costs down.