In the heart of Texas, where the summers are long and the winters can be surprisingly crisp, your HVAC system works harder than most. Because it's such a critical part of your home’s comfort in Travis County, Hays County, and the surrounding Lakeway area, you hear a lot of advice about how to run and maintain it. Unfortunately, a lot of what gets passed around is based on old systems or simple misunderstandings.
At The HVAC Cowboys, we believe in giving our neighbors the straight-shooter truth—no bull, just honest facts from certified experts. Let's debunk five of the most common HVAC myths we hear.
Myth 1: Bigger is Always Better for HVAC Units
It’s easy to think that an extra-large air conditioner will cool your home faster and more efficiently. However, in the world of HVAC, bigger is often worse. An oversized system will "short cycle," meaning it turns on and off too frequently without completing a full cycle. In the humid Texas climate, this is a major problem because the unit won't run long enough to effectively pull moisture out of the air. You end up with a sticky, uncomfortable indoor environment, wasted energy, and excess wear and tear on your equipment.
The truth is, correct sizing is crucial. Our team performs a detailed assessment of your home—considering factors like square footage, insulation, window placement, and sun exposure—to ensure the unit we install is perfectly matched to your unique needs. As a certified Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Contractor, we specialize in high-efficiency, properly sized installations that guarantee optimal comfort.
Myth 2: You Only Need to Change Your Air Filter Once a Year
This is one of the most common and costly myths we encounter. The dust, pollen, and dander that circulate through your Lakeway home’s air can quickly clog a filter. A dirty air filter severely restricts airflow, forcing your unit to work harder, consume more energy, and ultimately shortening its lifespan. If you have pets, allergies, or run your system frequently, you should be checking your filter monthly and replacing it every 1 to 3 months. A clean filter is the simplest, most cost-effective way to improve efficiency and maintain the indoor air quality that contributes to your family’s well-being.
Myth 3: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy
This popular idea is counter-intuitive but incorrect for most central HVAC systems. Your system is designed to circulate a balanced amount of air throughout your entire home. Closing vents creates an imbalance in your ductwork, leading to increased pressure. This pressure forces the heated or cooled air to escape through tiny leaks in the ducts, putting unnecessary strain on your air handler and potentially damaging your compressor. You're not saving energy; you're just making the system work harder to condition a compromised space. If you want true zoned comfort, talk to us about smart thermostat technology or a dedicated ductless system that allows you to regulate temperatures in different areas efficiently.
Myth 4: You Should Only Call for Maintenance When Something Breaks
For the The HVAC Cowboys, attention to detail is the fabric of our service philosophy. Waiting for a breakdown during a sweltering July heatwave or a cold winter snap is the most expensive path to comfort. Routine maintenance is proactive care. Our meticulous seasonal tune-ups—once for the heating in the fall and once for the cooling in the spring—allow our technicians to catch small issues like low refrigerant, worn belts, or minor electrical problems before they turn into costly emergency repairs. Preventative service protects your investment, maintains peak energy efficiency, and ensures your system delivers reliable comfort for years to come.
Myth 5: Cranking the Thermostat to Extremes Cools or Heats Faster
When your Lakeway home is hot, it’s tempting to set the thermostat to a frigid 60 degrees, believing it will kick the AC into overdrive. The reality is that your unit cools or heats at a fixed speed regardless of the target temperature. Setting it extremely low (or high) won't accelerate the process; it simply forces the system to run longer once it reaches a comfortable temperature, often overshooting your needs, wasting energy, and increasing wear. A better strategy is to set a consistent, comfortable temperature and allow your system, especially high-efficiency models, to maintain that level steadily. Use a programmable or smart thermostat to optimize energy use while you're away without overworking the equipment.
Don't let these common myths compromise your comfort or your wallet. For honest advice, meticulous service, and a truly tailored climate solution for your home or business in Travis or Hays County, saddle up with the experts. Contact The HVAC Cowboys for a service appointment today at (512) 866-0796.