AC Myths That Are Costing You Money—And What to Do Instead

When it comes to your home’s comfort, few systems work harder than your air conditioner, especially in the Texas heat. However, despite the widespread use of AC units, a surprising number of myths persist about how they work and how to keep them running efficiently. Unfortunately, believing the wrong information can lead to higher energy bills, more frequent repairs, and even premature system failure.

At Wright’s AC & Heat, we’ve been helping Wimberley homeowners stay comfortable since 1992. And we’ve heard it all. So today, we’re setting the record straight on some of the most common AC myths—and showing you what to do instead.

Myth #1: “Turning the thermostat way down will cool the house faster.”

Many people think that if it’s 85°F inside and you want it to be 75°F, setting your thermostat to 65°F will speed up the process. It won’t.

Reality: Your AC cools at a consistent rate, regardless of the target temperature. Cranking the thermostat way down won’t cool your home any faster—it will just keep the system running longer than necessary, wasting energy and possibly overcooling the space.

What to do instead: Set your thermostat to the desired temperature (typically 75°F–78°F) and be patient. For greater control and efficiency, consider installing a smart, programmable thermostat, such as the Carrier Smart Thermostat we offer, which can help optimize cooling schedules and prevent overuse of energy.

Myth #2: “You don’t need maintenance if your AC seems to be working fine.”

If it’s not broken, don’t fix it—right? Wrong. Skipping routine maintenance is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make with their AC systems.

Reality: Even if your system is cooling effectively, dust, debris, and wear are accumulating behind the scenes. Without regular care, minor issues like a dirty coil or a clogged drain line can lead to significant (and expensive) breakdowns down the road.

What to do instead: Schedule preventative maintenance for your air conditioning unit at least once a year. Our seasonal tune-ups at Wright’s AC & Heat include a thorough inspection, coil cleaning, refrigerant checks, and drain line cleaning—all designed to prevent costly emergency repairs later.

Myth #3: “Leaving ceiling fans on cools the room when you’re gone.”

Ceiling fans are a great way to help you feel cooler, but they don’t actually lower the room’s temperature.

Reality: Fans cool people, they do not cool the air. They work by creating a breeze that helps evaporate sweat from your skin. When you’re not in the room, running a fan does nothing but waste electricity.

What to do instead: Turn fans off when you leave a room. Use them in conjunction with your AC when you’re home to allow you to set the thermostat slightly higher while still feeling comfortable.

Myth #4: “Bigger AC units cool better.”

When it comes to HVAC systems, bigger isn’t always better.

Reality: An oversized AC will cool your home quickly but not evenly. It will cycle on and off frequently (called short cycling), which can lead to humidity problems, higher wear and tear, and less energy efficiency.

What to do instead: Choose a unit that’s appropriately sized for your home. At Wright’s, we offer free replacement estimates and load calculations to ensure you get a system that’s just right for your space.

Myth #5: “Air filters only need changing once a year.”

This myth can cost you big in both comfort and repair bills.

Reality: A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the system to work harder and potentially leading to frozen coils or overheating. It also reduces indoor air quality and puts strain on the system.

What to do instead: Change your air filter every 1–3 months, depending on your system, the presence of pets, and your household's allergies. Not sure which type of filter to use? We’re happy to help you find the right option for your system.

Myth #6: “Closing vents in unused rooms saves money.”

It seems logical—why cool a room you’re not using? But closing vents creates more problems than it solves.

Reality: Your AC system is designed to cool a specific square footage. Closing off vents can disrupt the system's balance, leading to increased pressure in the ducts, air leaks, or even frozen evaporator coils.

What to do instead: Keep vents open throughout your home to maintain proper airflow. If you want more targeted control, consider zoning systems or mini splits, such as the Mitsubishi Electric Mini Split, which allows you to cool specific areas without compromising system performance.

Myth #7: “Thermostat placement doesn’t matter.”

Your thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system, and its location plays a significant role in how it

functions.

Reality: If your thermostat is placed in direct sunlight, near a drafty window, or close to an appliance, it may misread your home’s temperature, causing the system to overwork or underperform.

What to do instead: Ensure your thermostat is installed in a central, shaded area on an interior wall, away from vents and heat sources. If you’re upgrading, ask about smart thermostat options that learn your schedule and adjust automatically for maximum efficiency.

Myth #8: “Indoor air quality isn’t the AC’s job.”

Think your AC is just about temperature control? Think again.

Reality: Your HVAC system plays a huge role in indoor air quality. Poor filtration, dirty ductwork, or excess humidity can all contribute to mold, allergens, and airborne contaminants.

What to do instead: Upgrade your home’s air quality with tools like high-efficiency filters, dehumidifiers, or the Solaris Whole House Air Purifier. These systems work in conjunction with your AC to remove allergens, neutralize odors, and maintain clean air, especially during allergy season or high-humidity months in Texas.

Don’t Let AC Myths Cost You Comfort or Cash

Your air conditioning system is one of the most important—and expensive—systems in your home. Believing myths can cause unnecessary wear and tear, higher energy bills, and preventable repairs. The good news? A little knowledge goes a long way.

At Wright’s AC & Heat, we’re here to help you make informed decisions and get the most out of your HVAC system. From regular maintenance and air quality upgrades to smart thermostats and new system installations, our team is committed to keeping Wimberley comfortable—and saving you money in the process.

Need to schedule a maintenance visit or ask about upgrading your system? Call us today at +1 512-847-3191. 

Proudly serving Wimberley and surrounding areas with honest, reliable HVAC service since 1992.