If well-maintained, your AC will have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. However, you can inadvertently shorten its lifespan by making mistakes in its maintenance.
No one can blame you. You probably don’t know the difference between good and poor AC maintenance practices. This means you’re more likely to make mistakes that will make your AC more power-hungry or reduce its ability to be your saving grace during summer’s dead heat.
Are you wondering what these mistakes might be? Keep reading to learn about the most common AC maintenance mistakes and how you can avoid them.
1. Failure to Clean or Replace Your Filters
When your AC is cycling through the air, it takes in other types of residue, such as debris, spores, and dust. Fortunately, this debris doesn’t get into your AC system because the air filters are busy filtering it.
If you don’t clean or replace the air filters, debris will inundate them, causing them to malfunction. The impact is that your indoor air quality will deteriorate because the dirt will block sufficient airflow.
You can avoid this problem by cleaning or replacing your AC’s air filters at least once every two to three months. Ensure you find the right replacement by reviewing your manual or checking online sources.
2. Not Investigating Strange Noises
You should be able to differentiate normal from strange noises in your AC system. You’ll be making a mistake if you ignore rattling or squeaking sounds.
These sounds are an indication that something in the AC unit is broken and in need of repair. If you continue to ignore the noises, your system may develop more severe problems. In worst-case scenarios, it will break down completely.
If you notice strange sounds in your AC, call a professional to look into the problem. The sound may indicate a more complicated AC problem that you may be unable to fix yourself.
3. Not Cleaning the Air Vents
Debris, dust, and other objects may get lodged in your air vents. Anytime you turn on your air conditioner, anything trapped in the vents will find its way into your home.
As more dirt gets into your home, the quality of your indoor air will deteriorate. You and your family may even develop health issues as a result.
The best thing is to schedule a monthly clean-up of your air vents. Cleaning will enhance your indoor air quality by ensuring it’s free from dust or other fine particles. Your family will be at less risk of respiratory health issues.
4. Failure to Schedule Regular AC Maintenance
Your residential AC system requires routine maintenance. You might think that the maintenance cost is too high and forego it completely.
If you make this mistake, you will be setting yourself up for costly AC unit repairs. With no maintenance, you’ll not catch smaller issues before they worsen.
You should avoid this mistake by scheduling professional AC maintenance at least twice a year. You should take the time to find the best AC service provider who will be skilled enough to check every part. A professional will identify and fix any problem before an unexpected complete breakdown.
5. Failing to Replace an AC Unit
You might make a common AC mistake by keeping an outdated system functioning instead of replacing it. Even when you maintain your residential AC system regularly, it will get to the point where replacement is necessary.
If your system is too old, common AC problems may become too frequent. In such cases, you might spend too much on common AC repairs. You can learn more about these repairs at markdanielsac.com.
An outdated AC system will also be less efficient, which will increase your energy bills. Repairing AC units is no small task, and it will cost you hundreds of dollars.
Don’t leave an old AC system in place if you want to avoid these costs. If the unit approaches its lifespan, start looking for a reliable HVAC company that is skilled in replacing AC units. Replacing the AC unit sooner will prevent you from incurring unnecessary energy and repair costs.
6. Overworking Your AC
When the summer heat takes a toll on you, you might feel that your residential AC system is not doing enough to cool your home. You are likely to set the thermostat as low as it can go, thinking that it will get your home colder within a short period of time.
This is a mistake that will only stress your air conditioner. Setting the temperature too low will overwork your AC unit.
This mistake will cause unnecessary wear and tear on your AC unit and make it consume too much energy. You’ll end up spending more to repair or replace the AC unit.
You can avoid this mistake by using supplemental cooling practices. Instead of setting the thermostat at its lowest point, you can turn on the fans in every room. This will circulate more cool air in your home without overworking the AC.
You can also use shades to prevent sunlight from getting into the room. Less sunlight might keep your home’s temperature low.
7. Choosing an AC Maintenance Company in a Hurry
The number of HVAC companies and technicians may overwhelm you when you need a professional to maintain or repair your AC system. The biggest mistake you’ll make is choosing a company that promises you a quick fix without doing any research. You’ll also make a mistake if you choose a company because it’s the cheapest.
If you rush, you will most likely choose an inexperienced company that will offer low-quality services. Such companies may even mess with your unit, necessitating a complete replacement.
The best thing is to take your time to research and shop around for the best company. Consider factors like the contractor’s experience, license, and professional standards. The idea is to get high-quality services that will keep your AC system in tip-top shape for a long time.
Avoid Common AC Maintenance Mistakes
Your AC system is an investment that you will want to benefit from for the longest time possible. Making these common AC maintenance mistakes will increase the risk of your unit breaking down when summer is at its peak. Stay on top of the mistakes and ensure that your system runs smoothly for the longest time possible.
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