Introduction: Why AC Myths Are Expensive
We get it—air conditioning isn’t exactly top-of-mind until it breaks down on the hottest day of the year. But while your unit quietly works behind the scenes, misinformation about maintenance could be draining your wallet. As HVAC professionals at Shellaby A/C & Refrigeration, we’ve seen firsthand how small misconceptions turn into big repair bills.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to reduce energy costs or a business managing HVAC installation and furnace maintenance, it’s time to bust these myths and start saving.
Myth #1: “If It’s Cooling, It Doesn’t Need Service”
The Truth:
Just because your AC is blowing cool air doesn’t mean it’s healthy. AC systems can operate with hidden issues like refrigerant leaks, dirty coils, or reduced airflow. These problems might not stop cooling immediately but will slowly decrease efficiency and increase energy usage.
Why It Costs You:
Over time, performance drops and components wear out faster, leading to higher utility bills and sudden breakdowns.
What To Do Instead:
Schedule seasonal HVAC maintenance with licensed technicians. Preventive checks help catch small issues before they become expensive failures.
Myth #2: “Change Filters Once a Year”
The Truth:
Your filter does much more than keep dust out of the air—it protects your entire system. Dirty filters block airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and burn more energy.
Why It Costs You:
Clogged filters can increase energy consumption by up to 15% and put your blower motor at risk.
Recommended Practice:
Check your filter every 30 days and replace it every 1 to 3 months depending on dust, pets, or allergies. Shellaby technicians also replace filters during scheduled tune-ups.
Myth #3: “Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy”
The Truth:
This idea sounds smart but backfires. Modern HVAC systems are designed for balanced airflow. Blocking vents causes pressure imbalances that strain your system and could lead to duct leaks or blower motor issues.
Why It Costs You:
Reduced efficiency, increased wear on parts, and premature breakdowns.
Better Approach:
Consider zoning systems or smart thermostats to manage temperature across different areas without choking airflow.
Myth #4: “Bigger AC Units Cool Better”
The Truth:
Oversized AC units cool too quickly and shut off before removing humidity. This causes uneven temperatures, clammy air, and inefficient operation.
Why It Costs You:
More frequent cycling wears out the compressor faster and reduces indoor comfort.
Expert Tip:
Always request a professional load calculation before installing a new unit. At Shellaby, we custom-fit AC systems for maximum performance and energy efficiency.
Myth #5: “You Can Skip Maintenance Until It Breaks”
The Truth:
Skipping regular service is like skipping oil changes in your car. You might save money short term, but eventually, it will break down—and probably at the worst time.
Why It Costs You:
Unmaintained systems have a 50% higher chance of requiring major repairs.
Smart Strategy:
Enroll in a preventive maintenance plan with Shellaby. We keep your system running at peak efficiency, identify issues early, and ensure longer lifespan.
Myth #6: “Refrigerant Runs Out Over Time Like Gas”
The Truth:
Refrigerants should never run out. If it’s low, there’s a leak somewhere that needs fixing. Simply refilling without sealing the leak causes repeated failures and damages the compressor.
Why It Costs You:
Each refill costs money and untreated leaks cause greater damage over time.
What You Should Do:
If you suspect low refrigerant, get it inspected by Shellaby. We test, locate leaks, repair them, and recharge the system properly.
Myth #7: “DIY Cleaning Is Enough to Maintain AC”
The Truth:
While you can clean vents or replace filters yourself, true AC maintenance involves electrical testing, refrigerant level checks, coil cleaning, and airflow balancing—tasks only certified technicians can safely perform.
Why It Costs You:
DIY errors often miss the real problem or make it worse, leading to costly repairs.
Best Option:
Let our experienced HVAC pros take care of your system. Shellaby offers in-depth diagnostics that go beyond surface-level cleaning.
Myth #8: “Lowering the Thermostat Cools the Room Faster”
The Truth:
An AC unit cools at a fixed speed. Setting the thermostat to 60°F when you want 72°F won’t make it cool any faster—it’ll just overwork your system.
Why It Costs You:
This habit drives up energy usage and causes unnecessary strain.
Smarter Fix:
Set the thermostat to your ideal temperature and let the AC do its job. A programmable or smart thermostat helps maintain consistent comfort without waste.
Myth #9: “Fans Cool a Room, Even When You’re Not There”
The Truth:
Ceiling or floor fans don’t actually lower the room’s temperature—they cool people, not air.
Why It Costs You:
Leaving fans on in empty rooms wastes electricity without any benefit.
Efficient Tip:
Use fans only when the room is occupied. For better airflow, let Shellaby optimize your ductwork and AC settings.
Myth #10: “AC Maintenance Is Just a Sales Gimmick”
The Truth:
This might be the most dangerous myth. Regular maintenance is what keeps your AC efficient, reliable, and long-lasting.
Why It Costs You:
Skipping maintenance leads to higher bills, emergency breakdowns, and expensive repairs—costs that far exceed routine service fees.
Why Choose Shellaby:
Our technicians don’t upsell. We give honest diagnostics, real solutions, and customer-first service that saves you money, not costs you more.
Myth #11: “My AC Is Only a Few Years Old—It Doesn’t Need Checks Yet”
The Truth:
Even new systems can develop issues due to weather, dirty environments, or poor installation. Ignoring maintenance early leads to reduced efficiency later.
Why It Costs You:
Loss of warranty, expensive mid-life repairs, or system failure earlier than expected.
Pro Tip:
Protect your HVAC investment with an annual tune-up—Shellaby’s expert servicing preserves both system performance and manufacturer warranties.
Myth #12: “AC Units Last 20+ Years With No Issues”
The Truth:
Most central AC systems have a lifespan of 10–15 years—with maintenance. After that, efficiency drops, and repairs become frequent and expensive.
Why It Costs You:
Old units are 30–50% less efficient than modern systems, especially without maintenance.
What You Should Do:
If your AC is aging, let Shellaby assess whether a repair or replacement is more cost-effective. We offer honest advice, not pushy sales.
Myth #13: “Thermostat Location Doesn’t Matter”
The Truth:
If your thermostat is placed near windows, appliances, or vents, it may sense incorrect temperatures and mismanage cooling.
Why It Costs You:
Inconsistent temperature readings lead to overcooling or short-cycling, increasing energy use.
Expert Solution:
We’ll evaluate your thermostat location and adjust or relocate it for better performance.
Why Preventive Maintenance Saves You Money
Here’s what regular service from Shellaby A/C & Refrigeration includes:
- Filter changes
- Coil inspection and cleaning
- Refrigerant checks
- Blower motor testing
- Thermostat calibration
- Electrical safety checks
- Drain line clearing
- Airflow balancing
Benefits You’ll Notice:
- Up to 30% energy savings
- Fewer emergency calls
- Better indoor air quality
- Longer system lifespan
- Valid warranty coverage
Who We Are: Shellaby A/C & Refrigeration
We’re more than just a service company—we’re your partners in indoor comfort. Serving Texas homes and businesses, we provide:
- Expert HVAC installation
- Reliable furnace maintenance
- 24/7 emergency repair
- Custom maintenance plans
- Straightforward pricing
- Friendly, licensed technicians
Our goal? To help you beat the myths, save money, and enjoy lasting comfort all year round.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Myths Steal Your Comfort
Falling for AC maintenance myths doesn’t just impact performance—it hits your bottom line. Misunderstanding how your HVAC system works can lead to higher bills, breakdowns, and early replacement.
At Shellaby A/C & Refrigeration, we believe informed customers are happy customers. Our mission is to keep you cool, comfortable, and confident in your system—myth-free.
Need a Tune-Up or AC Check in Texas?
👉 Visit Shellaby A/C & Refrigeration or give us a call today for fast, friendly, and reliable HVAC care.
