How to Avoid These Common Air Conditioning Mistakes
An air conditioner plays a key role in keeping your house feeling comfortable throughout the spring and summer months. Keeping your air conditioner well-maintained will ensure it continues to operate efficiently without any issues. However, making a few mistakes can lead to significant problems while also costing you more money. Understanding how to avoid these common mistakes is key to saving yourself from a lot of stress.
Here is an overview of the most common air conditioning mistakes to avoid.
1) Forgetting to Replace Air Filter
One of the most common mistakes involving air conditioners is not replacing the air filter. Failure to switch out the filter causes your system to work less efficiently, which increases the chance of needing repairs. You will also pay a higher utility bill each month by using a dirty air filter. Making sure to replace your filter every few months is essential in avoiding these issues, and it can help to extend the lifespan of your system.
2) Waiting Until the Last Minute for Repairs
Many homeowners make the simple mistake of waiting until the last minute to schedule an AC unit repair. Unfortunately, waiting too long can cause the problem to get much worse, which can cost you a lot more money. Staying proactive by taking care of an AC unit repair as soon as possible can help you avoid these issues.
3) Not Scheduling Routine Maintenance
An easy way to extend the lifespan of your air conditioner is to schedule routine maintenance. These HVAC professionals can make minor adjustments to ensure your air conditioner is working at an optimal level. These proactive services can reduce the need for AC unit repair, which can save you a significant amount of money and stress.
4) Setting the Temperature Too High or Low
Another common mistake is setting the temperature on the thermostat too high or too low. Unfortunately, this causes your system to work much harder to maintain these temperatures. Typically, it’s recommended to set your thermostat around 78 degrees during the summer to help balance comfort and energy savings.
5) Putting Thermostat in the Wrong Location
A thermostat needs to be centrally located in your house for it to work at an optimal level. Putting your thermostat in the wrong place makes it challenging to keep your home comfortable. An experienced HVAC technician can help you determine the best place to put your thermostat in your house.
6) Keeping Doors and Windows Open
Sometimes windows or doors are left open to provide fresh air. However, trying to keep your home feeling comfortable while leaving the doors or windows open is nearly impossible. Making sure these entryways are closed is key to making it easier for your air conditioner to keep your home cool without causing it to work too hard.
7) Sealing Air Vents
Sometimes air vents are closed in unused rooms, but this can lead to numerous issues. For example, the added pressure in your vents can eventually result in leaks. Checking to see that all your air vents are open is key to cooling your house efficiently while also helping you to avoid these problems.
8) Not Giving the Condenser Enough Space
A condenser needs plenty of airflow to work efficiently. Failure to give a condenser enough space can lead to a wide range of problems, as it can decrease the lifespan of your system. Making sure your condenser has plenty of space can help you avoid overheating issues with your air conditioner.
9) Using the Wrong Size System
The idea that bigger is always better doesn’t apply to air conditioning. Instead, it’s important to find the right-sized unit to keep your home feeling cool without causing too much stress on your system. On the other hand, the wrong unit size will cause your system to short cycle, leading to excessive wear and tear. Working with an experienced HVAC company is essential in helping you find the right size unit for your home.
10) Not Understanding Your Warranty
Knowing your warranty details is key to ensuring your air conditioner stays in excellent condition. Following your warranty is also important to avoid accidentally voiding it without realizing it. For example, a warranty often requires you to schedule annual maintenance services. Taking the time to understand your warranty for your air conditioner is always well worth it.
11) Contact Professionals for AC Unit Repair
Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning offers HVAC installation and repair services for customers in the Salem area. Our experienced team can help you with your heating and cooling needs. We also pride ourselves on always providing the best customer service. Give us a call today to learn more about our AC unit repair services and other HVAC solutions!
