Common AC myths include the idea that setting the thermostat much colder cools a room faster, that closing vents in unused rooms saves electricity, and that bigger units always cool better — none of which hold up against how these systems actually work.
Myth: A Lower Thermostat Setting Cools the Room Faster
An AC unit cools at a fixed rate regardless of how low the thermostat is set; setting it to an extreme low temperature doesn't make it work any faster, it just means the unit runs longer before reaching a colder final temperature than actually needed, using more electricity in the process.
Myth: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy
Most residential duct systems aren't designed to handle closed vents well — doing so can increase pressure in the ductwork, reduce overall system efficiency, and in some cases stress the equipment, rather than delivering the energy savings people expect.
Myth: A Bigger AC Unit Always Cools Better
An oversized unit cools a room to temperature quickly but shuts off before properly removing humidity, often leaving a space that feels cold but still damp. Correct sizing for the actual room load, not simply the biggest available unit, produces better comfort and efficiency.
If this sounds like what's happening with your unit, our AC Maintenance Service page covers exactly how we handle it, or you can message us directly for a same-day assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does turning the AC off and on save more energy than leaving it running?
For most homes, a consistent moderate setting is more efficient than repeatedly cooling a room from a much higher starting temperature after long periods off.
Is it true that AC units don't need maintenance if they're new?
No — even new units accumulate dust and require regular filter and coil maintenance to perform as intended, especially given local dust levels.
Do ceiling fans actually help AC efficiency, or is that a myth?
This one's true — fans improve air circulation, making a room feel cooler at a higher thermostat setting, which can genuinely reduce AC running time.