Air conditioning systems are a crucial part of keeping your home or business comfortable, especially during the sweltering summer months. However, when your AC breaks down, it can be tempting to try and cut corners or follow advice you’ve heard from friends or online sources. Unfortunately, there are several myths circulating about AC repairs that could end up costing you more money in the long run.
At D-N-D Services, we’ve been in the HVAC industry for over two decades, and during that time, we’ve heard it all. From myths about DIY repairs to misconceptions about when it’s time to replace a system, many homeowners and business owners fall victim to misinformation. In this article, we’ll break down the most common AC repair myths and explain why believing them could lead to unnecessary expenses.
Myth: You Can Wait Until the End of Summer to Repair Your AC
Reality: Many people believe that if their air conditioner is still somewhat functional, they can wait until the cooler months or the end of the summer to repair it. While this may seem like a good way to save money, delaying repairs can actually make the problem worse and more expensive to fix.
When an AC unit starts showing signs of trouble, such as strange noises, uneven cooling, or high energy bills, it’s a sign that something is malfunctioning. Putting off repairs might seem like a good idea at first, but the longer you wait, the more stress you put on your system. What may have been a minor issue can quickly escalate into a major breakdown, potentially leading to a complete system failure.
What You Should Do: If your AC is showing any signs of malfunction, schedule a professional inspection and repair immediately. Early intervention can prevent costly breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your unit.
Myth: Bigger Is Better When It Comes to AC Units
Reality: It’s a common misconception that the bigger the AC unit, the better it will perform. Some people think that installing a larger system will cool their space more effectively and faster. However, bigger isn’t always better when it comes to air conditioning systems.
An oversized air conditioner can actually lead to inefficiency. When an AC unit is too large for your home, it will cool the space too quickly, causing the system to cycle on and off frequently. This short-cycling leads to increased energy consumption and wear and tear on the system. Additionally, a larger system may not dehumidify the air properly, leaving your home feeling damp and uncomfortable.
What You Should Do: A professional HVAC technician will conduct a Manual J load calculation to determine the right size system for your home. This ensures that your AC unit is properly sized, resulting in optimal performance and energy efficiency.
Myth: DIY AC Repairs Will Save You Money
Reality: Many homeowners attempt to repair their air conditioning systems themselves in an effort to save money on professional repair services. While there are some minor maintenance tasks that can be done yourself, such as changing the air filters, DIY repairs on an AC unit can lead to more harm than good.
Air conditioners are complex systems, and improper repairs can cause further damage to the unit, void warranties, and even pose safety risks. For example, attempting to fix a refrigerant leak without the proper tools and expertise could lead to an environmental hazard and expensive repairs down the road. DIY repairs also often miss the root cause of the issue, meaning you may end up spending more money to fix the problem later on.
What You Should Do: Always call a licensed HVAC professional for any repairs or maintenance beyond simple tasks like changing the filter. Professionals have the training, tools, and expertise to handle even the most complex issues efficiently and safely.
Myth: Regular AC Maintenance Isn’t Necessary
Reality: Some homeowners believe that if their AC unit is working fine, they don’t need regular maintenance. However, routine maintenance is essential to keeping your air conditioner running smoothly and preventing costly repairs.
Without regular maintenance, small issues like dirty filters, clogged coils, or low refrigerant can go unnoticed and worsen over time. For example, dirty coils cause the system to work harder, increasing energy consumption and leading to premature system failure. Regular maintenance helps catch these small problems before they become expensive repairs.
What You Should Do: Schedule an annual AC tune-up with a licensed technician to keep your system in top shape. Preventive maintenance can extend the life of your air conditioner, improve efficiency, and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Myth: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Will Save Money
Reality: Many people think that closing vents in rooms that aren’t in use will help them save money by directing airflow to more used areas of the home. Unfortunately, this is another common myth that can end up costing you more money in the long run.
When you close vents, it can cause your HVAC system to work harder. The system relies on balanced airflow, and when vents are closed, the pressure inside the ducts increases, forcing the
Reality: Some homeowners believe that if their AC unit is working fine, they don’t need regular maintenance. However, routine maintenance is essential to keeping your air conditioner running smoothly and preventing costly repairs.
Without regular maintenance, small issues like dirty filters, clogged coils, or low refrigerant can go unnoticed and worsen over time. For example, dirty coils cause the system to work harder, increasing energy consumption and leading to premature system failure. Regular maintenance helps catch these small problems before they become expensive repairs.
What You Should Do: Schedule an annual AC tune-up with a licensed technician to keep your system in top shape. Preventive maintenance can extend the life of your air conditioner, improve efficiency, and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Myth: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Will Save Money
Reality: Many people think that closing vents in rooms that aren’t in use will help them save money by directing airflow to more used areas of the home. Unfortunately, this is another common myth that can end up costing you more money in the long run.
When you close vents, it can cause your HVAC system to work harder. The system relies on balanced airflow, and when vents are closed, the pressure inside the ducts increases, forcing the air conditioner to overwork. This can result in higher energy bills and, over time, cause the system to break down prematurely due to the extra strain.
What You Should Do: Instead of closing vents, keep your vents open and consider using zoning systems or programmable thermostats to control temperature distribution more efficiently.
Myth: You Don’t Need to Replace Your AC System if It’s Just Low on Refrigerant
Reality: Many homeowners believe that if their air conditioner is low on refrigerant, simply adding more refrigerant will solve the problem. While it’s true that a low refrigerant level can cause your AC to underperform, the issue typically indicates a leak in the system.
Simply adding refrigerant without addressing the underlying leak is a temporary fix. The refrigerant will continue to leak out, and your AC will continue to run inefficiently. In some cases, the lack of proper refrigerant levels can lead to compressor failure, which is one of the most expensive parts to replace.
What You Should Do: If your AC is low on refrigerant, have a professional HVAC technician inspect the system for leaks and make the necessary repairs. Recharging refrigerant without addressing the root cause is a costly and short-term solution.
Myth: Older Units Are Always a Money Pit and Should Be Replaced Immediately
Reality: While it’s true that older air conditioning units can become less efficient over time, this doesn’t always mean they need to be replaced right away. An older system may still have a lot of life left in it if it has been properly maintained.
If your older unit is still running well and doesn’t need frequent repairs, replacing it may not be necessary. Instead, consider continuing with regular maintenance and repairs to keep it running for a few more years.
What You Should Do: Have your older system evaluated by a professional technician. If it’s running efficiently, it may not need to be replaced immediately. However, if repairs are frequent and energy costs are high, it might be time to consider upgrading to a more efficient unit.
Conclusion
Believing in AC repair myths can end up costing you more money and frustration in the long run. The key to saving money on your HVAC system is to rely on accurate information and work with professional technicians who can diagnose issues correctly and recommend cost-effective solutions. At D-N-D Services, we’ve been serving the Rockwall and surrounding areas for over 25 years, and we are committed to providing our customers with honest, expert HVAC service. Whether you need a repair, maintenance, or a full system replacement, we’re here to help you make the right decisions.
If you’re dealing with an AC issue, don’t fall for myths—contact us today for a professional inspection and reliable service. We’ll make sure your system runs efficiently and lasts for years to come.
D-N-D Services Heating & Air Conditioning is the premier choice for HVAC services in Rockwall. With a team of highly trained and certified technicians, we have the expertise to handle all of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is unmatched, and we always go above and beyond to ensure that your experience with us is positive. We use only the highest quality parts and equipment to ensure that your HVAC system is running at peak performance. Plus, we offer competitive pricing and flexible scheduling to fit your needs. Choose D-N-D Services Heating & Air Conditioning for all of your HVAC needs in Rockwall.
