Fact-Check! 10 Air Conditioner Myths Debunked!

As a homeowner, you may find yourself trying to keep your air conditioner top-notch, as it serves an essential role in keeping your home comfortable. However, with all the rumors and myths floating around about AC maintenance, it may get hard to know what crucial steps you should take. That’s why we’re here!

We’ve compiled a list of misconceptions about air conditioning to help you understand what needs tending when it comes to AC maintenance. Read on as we bust 10 common air conditioner myths so that you can get the most out of your HVAC unit this summer.

1. MYTH: A Larger Air Conditioner Is Likely to Cool Your Home More Effectively Compared to a Smaller Unit.

Busted: Contrary to popular belief, a unit that is too big for your place may create bursts of cold air, causing it to turn on and off constantly. This is because thermostats are tricked into shutting off the HVAC system before the house is cooled thoroughly.

As a result, the extra cooling capacity is actually going to waste, resulting in higher energy bills. With frequent cycling, your unit also fails to adequately remove moisture. In addition, this cycling escalates the unit’s wear and tear over time and compromises efficiency.

Similarly, if an AC unit is too small for a place, it will struggle to cool the air in the room, overburdening the system. To achieve your desired temperature, you will have to run it at full power all the time, which will skyrocket the bills.

In order for an air conditioner unit to cool your home effectively, you must pick the right size for your room. Not sure how to do that? Follow this air conditioner size guide.

2. MYTH: You Can Speed up the Cooling Process in Your Home by Cranking Down the Thermostat.

Busted: This common misconception goes way back and needs to be addressed. Lowering the temperature will result in your HVAC system working for a longer period of time. Cooling a space will always be a matter of time.

The AC has to work just as hard to decrease the temperature by one degree as it does to reduce it by ten. Regardless of setting it to the lowest possible temperature, the unit will continue to run at the same pace. You might just be overworking your AC unit, causing the utility bills to go through the roof.

A rule of thumb to optimize comfort and energy-efficiency is to set the ideal thermostat settings for every situation using a smart thermostat.

3. MYTH: Choosing a Consistent Thermostat Temperature All Day Can Be a Smart Way to Save Money.

Busted: If you believe maintaining the same temperature throughout the day will save you money, you’re mistaken. It is one of the most common air conditioning myths, and you are just letting your HVAC system work unnecessarily, adding up to your utility costs.

A thermostat setback strategy can do wonders in this regard. For instance, setting your thermostat back is recommended when you are not home. Similarly, for sleeping, 60-67F is considered the optimal temperature range.

Furthermore, recooling and reheating your home will consume less energy than the unit that runs all day to maintain temperature consistency.

You can make these adjustments manually or leave the heavy lifting to the smart thermostat and smart AC controller. With features like location-based triggers and smart scheduling, you can automatically achieve the level of desired comfort while managing your expenses simultaneously.

4. MYTH: The Thermostat’s Placement Is Irrelevant.

Busted: The location of your thermostat is a prime factor in determining the efficacy of an air conditioner. You need to consider several factors before deciding where to place the device. This includes staying away from the hottest or coldest room.

In the case of a smart thermostat or a smart AC controller, the thermostat has to be placed in the range of your Wi-Fi with a strong signal. Other considerations include ensuring your sunlight doesn’t directly impact the sensor’s reading.

It is also helpful if you don’t position your thermostat near supply ducts or plumbing pipes.

Related: 12 Fascinating Air Conditioning Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

5. MYTH: Using a Ceiling Fan Can Help Reduce Your Air Conditioner’s Runtime.

Busted: Another air conditioner myth that is not true is that ceiling fans help in increasing the efficacy of your air conditioner. All it does is circulate the air in the room. They create a wind-chill effect, which can make you feel cooler, making the room feel more comfortable.

Using a ceiling fan can create better air circulation and distribute the cooled air more effectively, making you believe that it helps in the cooling process.

However, turning your AC off and expecting the ceiling fan to keep the room chilled will not work. Just as the air in the room starts to warm up, the fan will start circulating it.

The effective way is to use a ceiling fan in conjunction with your air conditioner. In this case, you can bring the thermostat a couple of degrees up, saving on AC costs. They complement each other, but that doesn’t mean it will reduce the burden on your air conditioner.

Related: Do Ceiling Fans Cool a Room? Here’s The Best Ceiling Fan Direction for Cooling

6. MYTH: Wait for An Upgrade Until Your Air Conditioner Completely Shuts Down

Busted: If your AC has exceeded its average lifespan and you have begun to notice signs of problems. It might just be nearing its end. Many people consider using their units until it dies out completely. However, this is not a wise thing to do.

The initial cost of replacing an air conditioner is undoubtedly high, but stalling the purchase might only add to your bills. With time, your air conditioner starts losing efficiency and performs inadequately. As a result, more energy is consumed for cooling a room. Additionally, the repairs can get very pricey.

Hence, it is recommended that you keep an eye on the signs that your AC needs a tune-up. As per the technician’s suggestions, if the system has gone beyond repair or requires expensive work, quit on it.

There is no point in utilizing it until it is no longer operable. Investing in a new one will save you aggravation and money over time.

Related: 8 Ways to Extend the Average Life Of an AC – How to Make Your HVAC System Last Longer?

7. MYTH: Since You’re Thorough With Dusting and Vacuuming, You Don’t Need to Worry About Changing Air Filters.

Busted: While dusting and vacuuming your house can help reduce the amount of dust and dirt in your living space, it does not eliminate the need to change your HVAC air filters. Air filters serve a different purpose than simply cleaning surfaces in your home.

Air filters in HVAC systems are designed to capture airborne particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and other contaminants, preventing them from circulating in the air and potentially causing health issues or damaging the HVAC system itself.

It is recommended that you clean the filter every 2 weeks and replace it every 3-4 months. With smart AC controllers like Cielo Breez Plus, you can even sign up to receive notification alerts when your air filters need a good cleanse.

8. MYTH: For Newer Air Conditioning Units, Spring Checkups Are Futile and a Waste of Both Time and Money.

It is not entirely accurate to say that spring air conditioning checkups are a waste of time and money if you have a newer unit.

While newer air conditioning units may require less maintenance compared to older ones, regular checkups can still provide several benefits, regardless of the age of your unit.

Even newer units can experience issues such as dirty filters, coil buildup, or refrigerant leaks, which can impact their efficiency and performance.

Timely preventative maintenance can help identify and address such issues, ensuring that your unit operates at its best. Early detection of potential issues during a spring checkup can help prevent costly repairs in the future.

9. MYTH: Prolonged Use of Air Conditioning Can Make You More Susceptible to a Summer Cold.

Busted: While anecdotal evidence might convince you otherwise, exposure to cold air by the AC isn’t really the culprit when it comes to cold fever in the summer. A virus causes a cold, not the temperature.

Although air conditioners can contribute to health problems in cases where they are not properly maintained. For instance, dirty filters and clogged vents can become breeding grounds for indoor pollutants like bacteria and mold, resulting in an infection leading to cold.

Hence, it is crucial to take care of your AC’s internal as well as external unit. You are also recommended to sign up for an annual or bi-annual checkup of your HVAC system even when it shows no significant signs of problems.

Related: Can Air Conditioning Make You Sick? Here’s the Truth

10. MYTH: You Need a Hefty Amount to Enjoy the Perks of Smart Air Conditioning

Busted: You might have noticed the sky-high prices of smart air conditioners in the market, making you believe they’re far out of your reach. But that’s not true!

If you already own an air conditioner and are tempted towards the modern ACs smart features, then we’ve got a budget-solution for you. With the help of Cielo Smart Thermostat (for residential HVAC systems) and Cielo Breez smart AC controllers (for room air conditioners), you can make any air conditioner smart.

Instead of spending thousands of bucks on getting a new unit and then worrying about the installation, you can use Cielo products for as low as $56 and DIY the whole process.

In conclusion, there are more misbeliefs surrounding air conditioners than you might think. This blog goes over some of the most common air conditioner myths to help you separate fact from fiction and make sure that your knowledge of this essential home appliance is as thorough as possible.

With your newfound knowledge of these ten common AC myths, you’ll be in a better position to maintain and troubleshoot HVAC problems on your own and even save on your energy costs.