10 Air Conditioning Myths You've Gotta Stop Believing In

We get it — it's summertime and it is HOT. But while 88% of American households use air conditioning to stay cool, many are unaware of common myths that could be costing them more money. From letting an AC unit run until it breaks down to cranking the thermostat way down to cool faster, these habits could actually be hiking up your energy bills — and could even damage your HVAC system.

But don't worry, we're here to debunk these misconceptions to help keep your cooling system running smoothly and your costs down. Here are 10 common air conditioning myths, plus tips on what to do instead. 

Many folks think it's smart to use an AC unit until it completely breaks down before considering a replacement. But in reality, older units often become inefficient and more costly to run over time. By sticking with an aging unit, you’re likely paying higher energy bills and even more in frequent repairs. 

Instead, consider upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient model when you notice issues with an old unit. This can include frequent breakdowns, unusual rattling noises, or a significant increase in your energy bills.

While it can seem like a smart strategy to close vents in rooms you don’t use to save on cooling costs, doing this can actually backfire. Closing vents increases the pressure in the air ducts, which can lead to leaks and reduce the efficiency of the system. 

Your AC will then end up working harder, leading to higher energy consumption or even possible damage to the unit. Keeping all vents open ensures balanced airflow and optimal performance.

Another common myth is that setting the thermostat to a very low temperature will cool the house down faster. But the reality is that an AC unit cools at a constant rate, regardless of the temperature it's set at. Turning it super low won’t speed up the cooling process; it will just make the system run longer, wasting energy and money in the process. Instead, set it to your desired temperature and let it do its job. 

While some people (ahem, my parents) believe that bigger AC units will cool their homes better and faster, the reality is that oversized units will cycle on and off too frequently. This can lead to inefficient operation and increased wear and tear, which only raises your energy bills and can also shorten the lifespan of the unit. Properly sized units run more efficiently and maintain a more consistent temperature.

Believe it or not, the location of your thermostat can greatly impact the efficiency of your AC system. If it’s placed in direct sunlight or near heat-generating appliances drafts, or cold spots, it can give inaccurate readings. This can then cause the AC to run longer than necessary, resulting in wasted energy and higher electricity bills. 

To avoid this, ensure your thermostat is in a central, shaded location for the most accurate temperature control.

While it might seem like a good idea to turn off your AC completely when you’re not home, this can actually lead to extreme temperature spikes that require a lot of energy to cool down later. Instead, set your thermostat to a higher temperature while you’re away to save energy without overworking your system when you return. 

A programmable thermostat that connects to your phone or uses Bluetooth can help manage this efficiently, and allows you to control the temperature when you're away.

Skipping regular AC maintenance is another myth that could be costing you big. Without routine check-ups, your unit won't be able to run as efficiently, leading to higher energy bills and more frequent issues or breakdowns. 

Regular maintenance, including replacing filters and checking refrigerant levels, can keep your system running smoothly — and can even extend its lifespan. Think of it as an investment that pays off in lower energy costs and fewer repair bills.

Despite its name, duct tape is not suitable for sealing air ducts (pun intended). This is because duct tape (or any other tape) can degrade quickly and cause tears or leaks, which reduces your system’s ability to run efficiently. Typically, duct sealing requires mastic or specialized aluminum foil tape designed for this purpose. 

Properly sealed ducts are crucial to prevent debris, pollutants, and moisture from entering through your home's air ducts. It will also help improve airflow and save energy.

When it comes to thermostats, not all are created equal. Modern programmable and smart thermostats offer advanced features that optimize your cooling system’s performance. This allows you to set schedules, control your system remotely, and even learn your habits to maximize efficiency. Upgrading from an old, manual thermostat can lead to greater convenience and significant energy savings over time. 

It’s easy to think that ceiling fans can cool down a room, but they don’t actually lower the temperature. Fans work by creating a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler, which is why they’re great when you’re in the room. But leaving fans on when no one is around just wastes electricity, so remember to always turn them off when you leave the room. 

For more savvy life hacks and other money-saving tips, please sign up for our free newsletters.