No, it isn’t necessarily bad to turn your AC on and off frequently—contrary to popular belief. Even if you stop and start your AC throughout the day, it won’t use as much energy as it would if you ran it nonstop. 

If you’re concerned about your power consumption and energy costs, there are a few simple ways to use your AC more efficiently. Regularly cleaning the filters, scheduling routine maintenance, and using a programmable thermostat are all great choices.

You can run an HRV with air conditioning—assuming that you decide to keep the system on during the summer. The HRV will continue to bring in fresh outdoor air, which will then flow into your AC unit and cool down your home. It will also keep moving the stuffy indoor air out of your house.

If you’re looking for a portable, budget-friendly cooling solution that doesn’t require any venting or installation, a ventless AC system is a good option. Similarly, this is a great choice if you’re renting an apartment or home and aren’t allowed to make large, structural changes like installing comprehensive HVAC, or you’re in a shared space and only need to cool your own room.

A new HVAC system can increase your home's value by about 5% to 7%, which can translate to an added value of $2,500 to $3,000. The return on investment (ROI) can be around 30%, especially if you upgrade the entire system, including ductwork and insulation. Adding modern features like a smart thermostat can further increase your home’s value by making the heating and cooling systems more efficient and convenient. However, since a new unit can cost $10,000 or more to install, it's important to weigh the upfront cost against the potential increase in home value. For a specific assessment, it's best to consult a local AC installer.