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Are These Common Myths Costing You?
Homeowners hear a lot of advice about staying cool during the summer. Some of it comes from friends and neighbors. Some from social media. And some has simply been passed around for so long that no one remembers where they first heard it.
The problem? Believing the wrong information can lead to higher utility bills, uneven temperatures and unnecessary frustration. Knowing the facts, on the other hand, can help you avoid costly mistakes and feel more confident about caring for your home. Whether you’re wondering if it’s time for plumbing repair or trying to figure out why your home never seems to cool evenly, let the team at Matheson be your trusted guide.
Now: Let’s bust some myths about beating the heat!
Myths About How Air Conditioners Work
Myth: Bigger air conditioners cool better
When it comes to air conditioning, bigger isn’t always better.
An oversized system can cool your home so quickly that it doesn’t stay on long enough to remove humidity from the air. That can leave your home feeling cool but still sticky and uncomfortable. An air conditioner that’s properly sized for your home will provide better comfort, better humidity control and better long-term efficiency.
Myth: Turning the thermostat way down cools your house faster
If your home is 78 degrees, setting the thermostat to 60 won’t speed up the cooling process.
Most residential air conditioners cool at the same rate regardless of how low you set the thermostat. All you’re really doing is telling the system to keep running longer after it reaches your desired temperature. Setting a realistic temperature can help your system operate the way it was designed.
Myth: Ice on your air conditioner means it’s working extra hard
A frozen air conditioner might look like it’s putting in overtime, but ice is actually a warning sign.
Restricted airflow, low refrigerant or other mechanical issues can all cause ice to form on parts of the system. Continuing to run it without addressing the problem can potentially lead to additional damage and more expensive repairs.
Myth: The hotter it is outside, the lower your thermostat should be set
It might seem like dropping the thermostat a few extra degrees is the best way to stay ahead of the heat, but lowering it beyond the temperature you’re actually comfortable with won’t make your home feel any better—it’ll just keep your system running longer than necessary.
Myths About Staying Comfortable
Even when your air conditioner is operating properly, a few common misconceptions can keep your home from feeling as comfortable as it should.
Myth: Closing vents in unused rooms saves money and pushes cool air where you need it most
It sounds like a smart way to lower your energy bills while sending more cool air to the rooms you’re actually using. After all, if nobody is using a room, why spend money cooling it?
In reality, most residential HVAC systems are designed to distribute air throughout the entire home. Closing vents can create pressure imbalances and reduce airflow, so you’re not simply redirecting cool air to the rest of the house. Instead, you may be making your system work harder instead of more efficiently. Keeping vents open helps your system operate the way it was designed.
Myth: Ceiling fans cool rooms
Ceiling fans don’t actually lower the temperature of a room—they cool the people inside it.
The moving air helps your body feel cooler, which can make a room seem more comfortable. But because the fan isn’t actually cooling the room itself, there’s usually no reason to leave it running when nobody’s there. After all, it’s still using electricity, so keeping it on in an empty room wastes energy—and money.
Myth: Every room in your home should feel exactly the same
Some temperature differences are perfectly normal.
Rooms with large windows, second-story bedrooms and spaces that receive more afternoon sun often warm up faster than other areas of the home. That said, major temperature swings aren’t something you simply have to accept. Significant hot or cold spots can point to airflow issues, insulation concerns or problems that deserve a closer look.
Myth: Summer humidity is just something you have to live with
Michigan summers can definitely be humid, but your home shouldn’t feel damp or muggy all season long.
Your air conditioner plays an important role in removing moisture from the air as it cools your home. If your house constantly feels sticky despite the AC running, it may be a sign that your system isn’t performing as efficiently as it should or that additional humidity control could help improve your comfort.
Never Be Mythtaken Again!
When it comes to your home’s cooling system, a little misinformation can go a long way. Understanding how your air conditioner actually works—and what it should and shouldn’t be doing—can help you avoid unnecessary headaches while keeping your home more comfortable all season long.
If your cooling system isn’t living up to expectations or you need air conditioning repair in Commerce Township, MI, the experienced team at Matheson is here to help. We’ll separate fact from fiction, identify the real issue and help you get your home back to feeling cool and comfortable.
To schedule your next appointment, please feel free to use our convenient scheduling tool or call us at 248.363.4154.
