Are These AC Tips Actually Helping You—or Hurting?
When your home feels too warm and your AC seems to run nonstop, it’s easy to turn to neighbors, social media, or old habits for solutions. But are those tips you’ve heard actually helping? Or are they secretly driving up your energy bill and putting strain on your system?
Let’s walk through five common air conditioning myths people in Central Indiana ask us about—so you can stay cool, efficient, and confident in how your system runs.
1. Do Bigger AC Units Cool a House Faster?
Short Answer: No—and they might make things worse.
It’s a common belief: if your home isn’t cooling fast enough, you need a bigger unit. But oversized AC systems don’t work the way you’d expect. They cool your house too quickly, shutting off before the system can properly remove humidity.
The result? Cold, clammy air that feels uncomfortable—and higher energy bills due to “short cycling” (frequent starts and stops that wear out your unit faster).
What works: The most efficient and comfortable cooling comes from a properly sized system. We offer load calculations to ensure your next AC system fits your home just right.
2. Should I Turn My AC Off When I Leave the House?
Short Answer: Not completely—especially during a heatwave.
Indiana summers can push indoor temps into the 90s if your system is off for hours. When you get home and switch it back on, your AC has to work overtime to cool not just the air, but also the walls, furniture, and floors that soaked up heat all day.
Smarter solution: Use a programmable or smart thermostat to raise the temperature by 5–7 degrees when you’re out—then bring it back down before you return. You’ll save energy and avoid overworking your system.
Need help upgrading your thermostat? We can help.
3. Does Turning the Thermostat Down to 60 Cool the House Faster?
Short Answer: Nope. It just keeps your system running longer.
Your air conditioner only cools at one speed. Whether you set the thermostat to 72 or 60, it cools at the same rate. Lowering it drastically doesn’t make things faster—it just makes your system run longer than needed.
Best practice: Set your thermostat to your desired temperature (most people feel comfortable around 72–75°F) and leave it alone. Constant changes waste energy and can actually reduce performance.
4. Do I Really Need AC Maintenance If Everything Seems Fine?
Short Answer: Yes—especially if you want to avoid surprise breakdowns.
Just like a car, your HVAC system needs regular maintenance to stay efficient and reliable. Even if it’s running, there could be minor issues—like low refrigerant or dirty coils—that silently lower performance until something major breaks.
The smart move: Schedule seasonal maintenance (ideally spring and fall). Better yet, join our Safety & Efficiency Club and let us handle it for you.
5. Is It Okay to Close Vents in Rooms I Don’t Use?
Short Answer: It seems smart—but it can actually damage your system.
Many homeowners think closing vents in unused rooms helps redirect airflow and save energy. Unfortunately, this increases pressure in your ductwork, which can cause air leaks, strain your blower motor, and reduce efficiency overall.
Better option: If you want room-by-room control, ask us about HVAC zoning systems or ductless mini-splits. These give you true flexibility—without compromising your system.
Get the Facts, Stay Cool
It’s easy to fall for HVAC myths, especially when the temperatures soar and quick fixes sound tempting. But when you know what really works—and have a local team you can trust—you can save money, reduce stress, and stay comfortable all summer long.
Absolute Comfort proudly serves homeowners across Central Indiana with honest answers and dependable service. Whether you’re unsure about how your system is performing or considering an upgrade, we’re here to help.
📞 Ready to clear up your AC questions for good?
- ✅ Book a professional tune-up
- ✅ Get a quote for a smart thermostat or zoning system
- ✅ Join our Safety & Efficiency Club and stay ahead of summer breakdowns
👉 Contact us now or give us a call—we’re just around the corner.
