Spend enough time talking to neighbors or scrolling through home forums, and you’ll hear every tip in the book about keeping your air conditioner running strong. Some are based in truth. Others? Not so much.
In fact, when it comes to AC maintenance in Los Angeles, CA, it’s not the heat that’ll wear you out, it’s the misinformation. A few of these myths may sound harmless, but they can do real damage to your system if followed blindly. Before you let outdated advice shape your seasonal routine, let’s cut through the noise and call out what’s real and what’s just recycled hype.
1. “If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It”
This old saying might work for a chair with a squeaky leg, but your cooling system is a different story. Just because your AC blows cold today doesn’t mean it’ll hold up tomorrow. These systems are full of moving parts, wiring, and refrigerant lines—any of which can wear down quietly.
Catching issues early, before they trigger a full system shutdown, is key. Preventative service might not feel urgent now, but it’s a whole lot cheaper than emergency work during a July heatwave.
2. Bigger AC Units Mean Faster Cooling
On the surface, it seems logical: more power, quicker results. But in practice, oversized systems tend to shut off too soon, never running long enough to fully remove humidity. That can leave rooms feeling clammy instead of cool.
It also shortens the life of the unit, thanks to constant on-off cycling. A properly sized system does more with less, and gives you steady comfort without wasting energy.
3. Dropping the Thermostat Extra Low Cools Faster
We’ve all done it. Come home to a warm house, punch the thermostat down to 60, and hope for a quick cooldown. But it doesn’t work like that. Air conditioners deliver cooled air at a fixed rate, no matter what the target temperature is.
Setting the temp way lower than needed just forces your system to run longer. That eats into your utility bill without speeding things up one bit.
4. Change the Filter Once a Year
Not quite. In homes with pets, dusty air, or folks with allergies, that filter gets dirty fast. A clogged filter can restrict airflow and put strain on your blower motor, resulting in reduced cooling power and, in some cases, failure.
Depending on your setup, changing the filter every 1 to 3 months is a safer bet. It’s a small task with a big impact.
5. Maintenance Is Just a Scam to Sell You Stuff
This one’s easy to believe, but wrong. A good technician isn’t trying to sell you a new system every time they visit. Instead, they’re looking to keep your current one running as long and efficiently as possible.
Yes, they may point out worn parts or early signs of failure. That’s not a pitch—that’s them doing their job. Preventing breakdowns is the whole point.
6. It’s Cheaper to Wait Until It Breaks
A lot of folks hesitate to spend money on a system that seems to be working okay. But that logic can cost you more later. Let’s say a capacitor’s starting to go, and you don’t catch it. Now the compressor’s struggling. That wear builds up fast, and you may suddenly find yourself calling for AC repair in Los Angeles, CA, during peak season.
Repairs cost more in a rush. And you’re probably not the only one making that same emergency call.
7. All HVAC Companies Are the Same
This is like saying all mechanics or dentists are equal. They’re not. Some companies focus on volume; others prioritize craftsmanship. Experience, certifications, and reviews make a real difference.
The right technician won’t just clean your coils and change a filter. They’ll listen, observe, and tune the system based on how your home breathes and lives. That personal insight goes a long way.
Your AC doesn’t need miracles, just the right care. And that starts by ignoring myths that sound good but fall apart under real-world pressure. In a place like Los Angeles, where the AC does overtime for months, believing the wrong thing isn’t just costly. It’s risky.
Stick to the facts. Stay ahead of problems. And when in doubt? Ask someone who doesn’t rely on guesswork.
You’ve heard all the one-liners. “Don’t touch it if it’s working.” “Drop the temp—it’ll cool faster.” But now you know better. Your home comfort shouldn’t depend on outdated tips or half-true hacks. What it needs is a solid checkup from people who know what actually works, and what’s just noise.
Call Mike Diamond Plumbing & HVAC at 1-800-446-6453 today and give your system the attention it deserves—no gimmicks, just honest care that keeps you cool.
