Did you know that even a simple AC maintenance mistake could lead to uneven cooling, health issues, system breakdowns, and skyrocketing energy bills? In this guide, we’ll explain everything to do (and not to do) when maintaining your air conditioner, offering vital tips for homeowners looking to keep their systems running smoothly all summer long. Let’s take a look.
What Are the Most Common AC Maintenance Mistakes?
Odds are, you already know that AC maintenance is an essential part of keeping this system running its best. But how much do you know about how to maintain your AC? Here are a few mistakes we frequently see homeowners making that will lead to some of the most common AC problems.
Neglecting Filter Changes
Regularly changing AC air filters is one of the top ways to keep your AC running efficiently, and it can be done in minutes. However, we often see homeowners forgetting to do this vital task (or not doing it as often as they should). For a simple, DIY-friendly task, this job can work wonders for homeowners looking to avoid AC shutdowns.
Running the AC Too Much
Even if it’s hotter than ever, keeping your AC unit running 24/7 will use extra energy and deteriorate the system beyond repair, forcing you to pay for a replacement prematurely. The airflow within the household will also go dry, which could cause a sore throat or further respiratory problems. To avoid this and save some bucks on your bill, you can opt for leaving the thermostat at a higher level when you leave in the mornings and setting the temperature lower when you get back.
Not Running AC Enough
Ironically, you can also encounter issues with your AC by not running it enough. Leaving your cooling unit off for long periods could lead to dust and debris building up within. Along with the humidity, depending on the season, it could also make the perfect home for mold to develop. Of course, this increases the chances of a respiratory problem occurring.
A very effective way to control this issue before having to call for AC repair is to get a Wi-Fi thermostat. This way, whenever you’re out of the house, you will still have full control over your thermostat.
Setting Temperature Too Low
When the hottest days of the year are here, we can’t blame you for wanting to cool your house down as quickly as possible. However, setting the thermostat much lower than the desired temperature will make the whole unit work even harder than it should, which could shorten its lifespan or cause serious problems that will cost you quite a bit.
One great AC system care tip is to set the thermostat at the exact temperature you want, not lower in an attempt to get faster cooling. It’s not worth it to risk its performance in the future for a degree more or less. First, you won’t even feel it, and second, it will eventually affect your pockets when your air conditioner stops cooling properly.
Relying Solely on AC
Is your AC not cooling the entire home? Before you look at replacing the unit, see if you can supplement it with fans. Fans contribute to the cooling of the house without using as much energy as an AC unit. It might not do the whole job, but it makes your air conditioner’s life much easier. Besides improving the look of your home, they also help you save money!
Skipping Professional Maintenance
The practices above are all great ways to extend your AC’s lifespan and improve its performance, but they’re no replacement for the expertise of a professional AC tune-up. We recommend getting an AC inspection and maintenance visit in the spring. This lets you prep your AC for summer, ensuring it’s ready to run effectively and efficiently for the whole season.
Why Skipping Maintenance Can Lead to Major Issues
Neglecting AC maintenance can easily create major issues with your home’s comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. Not only does a poorly maintained air conditioner break down more easily, but it will also put excess strain on its many components, possibly damaging them beyond repair years before its ideal lifespan is up. All the while, your unmaintained system will cost exponentially more to run due to its low energy efficiency.
Plus, using a poorly maintained air conditioner can be detrimental to your health. It can negatively impact home humidity and promote the growth of hazardous mold and mildew.
How Poor AC Habits Affect Indoor Air Quality
Continuing to use an unmaintained air conditioner affects your finances, but it can also harm your health by deteriorating your indoor air quality, or IAQ. Unmaintained air conditioners can allow mold to grow in ductwork, pumping unhealthy spores into your home’s indoor air. For people with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions, this can lead to persistent symptoms or more serious conditions developing.
Additionally, running an HVAC system without regularly cleaning ducts means that any debris, dust, and other buildup within can freely flow throughout your home’s air supply, causing sore, scratchy throats, persistent dry coughing, and a myriad of other breathing and health issues.
Tips to Keep Your AC Running Smoothly All Season
In addition to simple, DIY-friendly AC maintenance jobs (such as swapping your air filter regularly and running it at the right times and temperatures), the best way to keep your AC happy is to invest in regular inspections and tune-ups.
By contacting a professional to take a look at your air conditioner at least once a year, you prevent costly damage to the system, steadily creeping utility bills, and the many health issues associated with an unmaintained system. You can expect a few things from your AC inspection: A full system cleaning, a tune-up of all moving components, inspection of the refrigerant system to ensure there are no leaks, and a general evaluation of the system’s condition.
When to Call for Professional AC Service
To ensure safe, efficient operation of your air conditioner, we suggest contacting a professional to inspect the system once a year. Ideally, this should be done in spring, ensuring it’s ready to run throughout the summer season. Also, be sure to contact an expert if you’re dealing with specific AC issues, such as poor airflow, water or refrigerant leaks, unusual noises, rising energy bills, or unpleasant odors from ductwork.
Prevent Costly AC Repairs with AC Plus
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and nowhere is this more true than in your home’s cooling system. By investing in AC maintenance today, you’ll not only save money on utility bills and repairs in the future, but you’ll also be protecting the health of your family, all while ensuring your AC is ready to keep your home cool and comfortable when you need it. There’s no substitute for a reliable air conditioner, and we’re here to make sure you can count on yours. Contact us today to schedule a professional AC inspection and maintenance appointment!
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