Air conditioners are in over 80% of Australian homes, yet some persistent myths still lead people to waste money, skip maintenance, or buy the wrong system. Central Coast Air Conditioning has been serving the NSW coast for over 50 years. Here we confirm the facts and crush the fiction for good.
TL;DR – Key Takeaways
- Skipping maintenance is the single biggest mistake AC owners make. Service your system at least once a year.
- Air conditioning won’t give you a cold. Viruses do.
- Sizing matters. An oversized or undersized unit costs more to run and wears out faster.
- Where you install your unit affects efficiency just as much as which unit you buy.
- Modern reverse-cycle systems are built for all four seasons, not just summer.
Myth #1: Air Conditioning Maintenance is Unimportant
This is the most expensive myth on the list. Many homeowners treat their air conditioner like a set-and-forget appliance, only calling for help when something breaks. By that point the damage is often significant.
The myth: “My system seems fine, I’ll skip the service this year.”
The fact: Dirty filters reduce airflow efficiency by up to 15%, and unmaintained coils can cut cooling capacity by 30% or more.
The filters and coil are the heart of your system. Dust and debris accumulate over time, forcing the unit to work harder, driving up energy bills and shortening its lifespan. A regular air conditioning service catches these issues early.
According to Finder’s 2024-25 research, the average Australian household spends around $305 cooling their home each summer. That figure rises significantly when units are poorly maintained. We recommend a professional service once a year and a filter clean every 4-6 weeks during heavy use.
Myth #2: Air Conditioning Will Give Me a Cold
Colds are caused by viruses, not cold air. Rhinoviruses and influenza spread through respiratory droplets and surface contact. Temperature changes don’t transmit them.
The myth: “Running the air con in winter makes you sick.”
The fact: A properly maintained air conditioner filters air and manages humidity, supporting healthier indoor air quality.
Air conditioning can lower indoor humidity, which may dry out the membranes in your nose and throat. That’s worth managing, but it isn’t the same as getting sick. The real risk comes from unmaintained systems where mould, bacteria, and allergens build up inside the unit and recirculate through your home. A professional aircon clean removes these buildups entirely.
Myth #3: It Doesn’t Matter What Size Air Conditioner I Select
The myth: “Bigger is better. A larger unit will cool the room faster.”
The fact: An oversized unit short-cycles. It cools quickly but doesn’t run long enough to control humidity, leaving rooms clammy.
An undersized unit runs constantly, wearing out faster and inflating your bills. Neither extreme achieves genuine comfort. Modern inverter systems deliver 3-4 units of heating or cooling for every 1 unit of electricity, but only when correctly sized. Our team uses a proper load calculation before recommending anything.
Myth #4: Air Conditioners Can Be Installed Anywhere
The myth: “Just put it wherever is most convenient.”
The fact: Placement near heat sources or with restricted airflow can reduce efficiency by 10-25% and shorten system life.
For the indoor unit, avoid west-facing walls and heat-generating appliances. The thermostat reads the air around it, so artificial warmth causes the system to overwork. For the outdoor unit, airflow is critical. It can’t reject heat efficiently if it’s boxed in by fencing or vegetation. Our installation team assesses your layout before committing to any position.
Myth #5: Air Conditioners Are Only Meant for Summer
The myth: “The air con is a summer appliance. I’ll use the electric heater in winter.”
The fact: Reverse-cycle air conditioners are typically 3-4 times more efficient at heating than a standard electric heater.
A reverse-cycle system moves heat rather than generating it. In winter it extracts heat energy from the outside air and brings it inside, achieving an efficiency ratio as high as 4.0. A standard electric bar heater runs at exactly 1.0. Brands like Daikin, Fujitsu, and Mitsubishi Electric all engineer their systems for year-round Australian conditions. If your system has a heat mode and you’re not using it, you’re paying more than you need to.
Still have questions about your air conditioner?
Our technicians have been serving the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie for over 50 years. Whether you need a service, a quote, or just some honest advice, we’re here to help. Request a Quote or Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I service my air conditioner?
At least once a year, ideally in spring before summer. Clean your filters every 4-6 weeks during heavy use, and more often if you have pets or live in a dusty area.
Can a dirty air conditioner make me sick?
It won’t give you a cold, but a neglected unit can circulate mould spores, bacteria, and allergens that aggravate allergies and asthma. A professional clean eliminates these risks.
What size air conditioner do I need?
A rough guide is 0.125 kW per square metre. A 20m2 bedroom needs around 2.5 kW; a 40m2 living area needs 5 kW or more. Ceiling height, insulation, and window size all affect this. We always recommend a proper assessment before purchasing.
Is a reverse-cycle air conditioner cheaper to run than an electric heater in winter?
Almost always yes. Modern systems deliver 3-4 units of heat per unit of electricity. A standard bar heater delivers 1 unit for 1. Your air con can heat the same space for roughly a quarter of the cost.
What’s the difference between a split system and ducted air conditioning?
A split system conditions one room or zone with one indoor and one outdoor unit. A ducted system runs through the ceiling or floor to condition the whole home, with optional zoning so you only heat or cool the rooms you need.
How do I know if my unit needs a deep clean rather than a regular service?
Signs include a musty smell from the vents, visible grime on the indoor unit, reduced airflow, or if it has been more than two or three years since a thorough clean. A standard service covers filters and electrical checks. A deep clean gets into the coil, blower wheel, and drain pan.