When the Rochester summer heat kicks in, your air conditioner becomes a lifeline. But with so much conflicting advice floating around, it’s easy to fall for myths that not only reduce your home’s comfort—but also cost you more on your energy bill.
From thermostat tricks to vent-closing tactics, many homeowners unknowingly follow outdated or inaccurate tips. That’s why we’re setting the record straight. In this post, we’re tackling the most common misconceptions with a summer AC myths debunked approach that will help you cool smarter, not harder.
Let’s break down what works, what doesn’t, and how to get the most out of your air conditioning system this summer.
Myth #1: Colder Thermostat = Faster Cooling
This is one of the most persistent summer myths—and it’s simply not true.
The reality: Your air conditioner cools at a consistent rate, no matter what temperature you set. Cranking your thermostat down to 60°F won’t cool your home any faster than setting it to 72°F. All it does is keep the unit running longer, which wastes energy and risks overcooling the space.
What to do instead:
- Set your thermostat to a comfortable, efficient temperature (typically 72–78°F)
- Use a programmable or smart thermostat to maintain even cooling throughout the day
- Avoid large, sudden temperature changes that force your system to work harder
Myth #2: Turning Off the AC Saves More Money
It might seem logical to shut your AC off completely when leaving the house—but that strategy can backfire.
Why? Because your home heats up rapidly in the summer, especially during midday sun. When you return and turn the system back on, your AC has to work twice as hard to cool everything back down—including walls, floors, and furniture that have absorbed heat.
The smarter solution:
- Set your thermostat 5–10 degrees higher when you're away (like 80–85°F)
- Use a programmable thermostat to return the temp to your preferred level before you arrive home
- Avoid full shutdowns unless you’ll be gone for several days or more
This approach reduces energy use and strain on your system.
Myth #3: Bigger is Always Better
It’s easy to assume that a larger AC unit will cool your home faster and more effectively—but that’s not how HVAC systems are designed.
The truth: An oversized unit can short cycle, meaning it turns on and off too frequently. This wears out components prematurely, fails to remove humidity effectively, and often results in uneven temperatures throughout the home.
Why size matters:
- Proper AC sizing depends on your home’s square footage, insulation, windows, and layout
- A licensed HVAC technician can perform a load calculation to determine the ideal unit size
- Bigger systems often cost more upfront and use more electricity without better performance
Always choose right-sized, not super-sized.
Myth #4: Ceiling Fans Actually Cool the Air
Ceiling fans are fantastic for comfort, but they don’t actually lower the temperature in a room.
What they really do: Move air to create a wind-chill effect, which makes you feel cooler. However, fans don’t cool the air—they just circulate it. That means if you're not in the room, running the fan doesn’t serve any purpose and wastes energy.
Fan best practices:
- Turn ceiling fans off when leaving the room
- Make sure your fan blades are set to spin counterclockwise in summer for optimal airflow
- Use fans to support your AC, not replace it
Combining fans with a well-functioning AC system is a great strategy—but they’re not a substitute for actual cooling.
Myth #5: Closing Vents Boosts Efficiency
This myth has been around for decades and continues to mislead homeowners.
The problem: Closing vents in unused rooms doesn’t reduce energy usage. In fact, it can increase pressure within your ductwork, cause leaks, and reduce the overall efficiency of your HVAC system. It can also lead to uneven cooling and strain on your blower motor.
Better alternatives:
- Keep all vents open and unobstructed
- Consider zoning systems if you want more control over specific areas
- Use insulated window treatments or door draft stoppers to manage heat gain in infrequently used rooms
Your HVAC system is designed to balance airflow throughout your entire home. Let it do its job.
Myth #6: No Tune-Up, No Problem
If your AC system is running, you might think you can skip the annual maintenance. That’s a risky assumption.
What many don’t realize: Most air conditioning problems start small. Worn belts, dirty coils, low refrigerant, and minor electrical issues often go unnoticed—until they cause a full breakdown during the hottest week of summer.
Why maintenance matters:
- Keeps your system running efficiently, reducing energy bills
- Extends the life of your AC
- Helps identify and prevent costly repairs
- Ensures better indoor air quality and comfort
An annual tune-up is a small investment that pays off big in performance and peace of mind.
Myth #7: It’s Just About Cold Air
Another major misconception is that air conditioners are only for cooling air. While lowering the temperature is a primary function, your system does much more.
In reality: AC systems also reduce humidity and help filter the air circulating through your home. Removing moisture makes the environment feel cooler and prevents mold and mildew growth. Filtering helps trap dust, pollen, and airborne particles—especially if you have high-efficiency filters or an added air purifier.
To boost your AC’s full potential:
- Replace air filters regularly (every 1–3 months)
- Use a whole-home dehumidifier in humid climates
- Upgrade your system with IAQ (indoor air quality) add-ons if needed
A well-maintained AC system is a key part of a healthy, comfortable home environment.
Cool Smarter, Not Harder
When it comes to keeping your home comfortable during the summer, the right knowledge is just as important as the right equipment. Believing common myths can lead to inefficient performance, higher utility bills, and unnecessary wear and tear on your HVAC system.
Let’s recap the myths we debunked:
- Lowering the thermostat doesn’t cool faster
- Turning off the AC when away can backfire
- Bigger isn’t always better
- Ceiling fans don’t actually cool the air
- Closing vents reduces—not improves—efficiency
- Skipping maintenance leads to bigger problems
- ACs do more than just cool—they improve humidity and air quality
Want to make sure your cooling system is optimized for the months ahead?
Contact Trident HVAC today for a professional inspection, maintenance plan, or energy-saving consultation. Let’s make this summer your most comfortable—and cost-effective—one yet.