During summer an air conditioning system is sort of a necessity to some residents for a cooler environment. It does help in so many ways from the struggles of the burning heat, which affects the state of persona in the household. However, there are a lot of considerations in owning an air conditioning system and most especially in the maintenance of it. Although their function is pretty simple, air conditioners are fairly complex machines that rely on several components to work properly. As such, even a small mistake can have huge ramifications for the whole AC unit and thus your home comfort. Here are 4 of the most common AC mistakes in the A/C maintenance.
What mistakes should I avoid with heating and cooling maintenance service?
Avoid these common mistakes to get the most out of your heating and cooling maintenance service:
- Skipping seasonal maintenance before peak heating or cooling periods
- Setting your thermostat too low or making frequent drastic changes
- Not replacing or cleaning air filters regularly
- Closing air vents or unused rooms, which strains your system
Consistent professional maintenance helps prevent these issues, keeping your HVAC system efficient and extending its lifespan.
Skipping Regular AC Maintenance
Maintenance is extremely important for appliances, especially for air conditioners. Failure to maintain your unit will cause it break down more often or wear out easily. It is advisable that you have a seasonal AC maintenance schedule and routinely check your air conditioner. When you’re switching from heating to cooling or the other way around, it is best to have it checked by a professional technician to ensure that all is well.
Thermostat Mistakes That Harm Your AC
If you still use the traditional thermostat, do not set it to a very low temperature at once. If your unit will skip temperatures, you will be wasting more energy and you’ll only make yourself uncomfortable due to rapid shifts in the temperature. Sudden changes like that could even lead to an AC emergency repair visit when you least expect it.
Forgetting to Replace AC Filters
Your HVAC system has an air filter that needs to be cleaned or replaced every so often, and this is one of the reasons seasonal AC maintenance matters. Depending on the type of unit and its amount of usage, you might need to change the filter as often as every three months or as little as once a year. Failing to change the filter will not only allow dirt and debris to build up, but will also reduce the efficiency of your overall system.
Why Closing Vents Can Hurt Your AC
You’ve probably heard people say that you can save money on heating and cooling costs by closing off rooms you don’t use. That may have worked in the days of wall-mounted air conditioners and fireplace heating, but with modern central air and heat systems, it actually has the opposite effect. Closing off rooms makes your system work harder, which makes your heating and cooling costs rise.
If you need a new air conditioner, make sure your contractor does a complete load calculation to determine exactly how much cooling capacity your home needs. By taking square footage, layout, insulation, and load-generating appliances into account, your HVAC professional can find your home’s cooling load and recommend an air conditioner that is perfectly sized to meet that cooling need. If you require professional help but don’t know where to start looking, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals over at Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What happens if I neglect regular A/C maintenance?
Answer: Neglecting regular maintenance causes your air conditioner to break down more often, wear out faster, and work inefficiently. It’s best to follow a seasonal maintenance schedule and have a professional check your system when switching between heating and cooling.
Question: How can incorrect thermostat use affect my A/C?
Answer: Setting a traditional thermostat to a very low temperature too fast wastes energy and may make your home uncomfortable due to rapid temperature swings. Gradual adjustments save energy and improve comfort.
Question: Why is changing the air filter important?
Answer: Your HVAC system’s air filter traps dirt and debris. If not cleaned or replaced regularly, typically every 3 months or as needed, it reduces airflow and system efficiency, which can increase energy use and wear on components.
Question: Does closing vents or rooms save on cooling costs?
Answer: No. With modern central HVAC systems, closing vents makes the system work harder, raising energy costs rather than lowering them. It’s better to keep vents open for balanced airflow.
Question: What is a good maintenance tip beyond these common mistakes?
Answer: In addition to avoiding mistakes like filter neglect, consider regular professional tuneups. Pro technicians can spot issues early and help extend your system’s lifespan, reduce costly repairs, and keep it running efficiently.
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Tags: AC installation, AC Maintenance, AC replacement
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