• Viral social media posts have prompted some to get creative to get the most out of their air conditioners.
  • According to an experienced mechanic, your air conditioner shouldn't hold 60 degrees.
  • According to the AC expert, preventive maintenance "guarantees optimum performance".

As the US and UK face scorching temperatures in an unprecedented summer, many are looking online for tips on how to get the most out of your air conditioning, but not all hacks are real solutions to your cooling system.

Here's a list of online tips that Insider has researched to label fact or fiction.

1. Protect your air conditioner

Photos and videos of outdoor air conditioners under the shade of an umbrella went viral on social media platforms as residents tried to keep their systems cool enough to work properly. A Texas media outlet used Facebook to promote the hack, even reporting that local residents said there was "a very noticeable difference in their electric and cooling bills."

In a TikTok that racked up more than 8 million views, a Texas handyman debunked that theory and offered a better solution: clean his outdoor unit. He advised residents to "grab your hose" and spray water on your air conditioner to remove dirt.

2. Close the air vents in an empty room

Closing vents in unoccupied spaces may seem like a simple solution to central air conditioning users, but it can do more harm than good. This trick puts your equipment overtime and could lead to leaky lines and pressure imbalances, according to the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PGE) .

3. Turn off your air conditioner completely

Anthony Arnica, manager of New York Mechanics and Refrigeration, recommends setting the thermostat to "normal temperature" rather than turning it all the way down. Its exact recommended temperature: 75 degrees.

"Air conditioners are designed to keep 70 degrees in your home, not 60, not 50," Arnica told Insider.

"Set and forget."

4. Change AC filter

Whether your device is hanging on the window, wall, or ceiling, Arnica says you need to clean your air filter. Recommends monthly cleaning of wall and window units and cleaning of center units every three months.

According to the PGE report, a dirty filter causes your air conditioner to work harder, use more energy and ultimately cost you more.

6. Schedule preventative maintenance

"Everyone always calls when it's broken," Arnica said.

Recommends scheduling maintenance semi-annually or seasonally, depending on the system. In a 2020 report on "Air Conditioning Etiquette," air conditioning product expert Mark Woodruff supported preventive measures.

"Scheduling regular preventive maintenance is the best way to ensure peak performance," said Woodruff.

7. Close doors to empty rooms

While it's widely believed that turning off empty rooms saves money on running a central air conditioner, First Coast News reports that hacking is inefficient and can even cost you dearly.

"Common problems with central air conditioning occur when rooms are closed and airflow around the home is disrupted," says the US Department of Energy in a report on energy conservation.