The Do's And Don'ts Of Air Conditioning

Here are some tips for keeping your air conditioning in the best shape possible.

Your air conditioning is a vital part of the comfort of your home. If you want to ensure your home stays cool during the scorching summer temperatures, then you need to ensure your system is running in optimal condition. However, many people leave their units to time and chance, embracing the theory that there’s no need to fix it if it's not broken. Consequently, there are some do’s and don’ts that you should observe.

Do’s for Your AC Systems

Your AC unit is expensive, and you want it to last as long as possible. The average lifespan of an air conditioning unit is around 15-20 years, but it’s possible to get more time out of it when it’s properly taken care of. Here are a few things you need to do to ensure your unit is in top shape.

1. Preventative Maintenance

At least two times per year, you need to have a professional come in and evaluate your unit. They will check the belts, condenser, and refrigerant levels to ensure that things are running smoothly. If they identify anything out of place, they can fix it before it becomes a mechanical breakdown. Something as simple as a belt can cause a service interruption and leave you in the sweltering heat.

2. Change the Filter

Changing your filter is essential both in the heating and cooling seasons. It filters out toxins that come into your home, so they are not dispersed into your breathing space. Each unit has manufacturing recommendations on when to change the filter to ensure it doesn’t become clogged.

3. Use a Programmable Thermostat

One of the best ways to control your home’s temperature and the bill is to use a programmable thermostat. Turn the temperature up a bit when you’re in bed asleep, and you can turn it down when you know the family will be up and active. This will help you save on your utility bills and help to preserve the longevity of your unit.

Don’ts of AC Systems

There are many things that you should avoid if you want to keep your unit running like a top. Here are some common mistakes homeowners make that can result in a costly air conditioner repair.

1. Try to Work on the Unit Yourself

Today’s society loves the D-I-Y method, where you can save money by fixing things with a video guide. However, some things are better left to the professionals. One of these things is your AC unit. You have components of water from condensation and electricity inside this system, plus there’s refrigerant. So, you really need a professional who is well-trained in how to do an air conditioning repair.

2. Ignore Issues

If you hear, see, or smell something that doesn’t smell right, make sure you don’t put off a service call. Many people try to avoid things because they feel that AC repair is expensive. It’s much more cost-efficient to fix things right away rather than let them go, and if you mess around and don't know what you're doing, it can cost you significantly.

3. Turn the Thermostat Too Low

People are frantic to call a repair professional every cooling season because their AC unit has frozen over. It’s not uncommon to see ice form outside your unit if you have a refrigerant leak, but it can also happen when the thermostat is set too low. Did you know that the average system is only meant to get your home 20 degrees cooler than the temperature outside?

So, even if you set your unit down to 65 degrees, it’s not going to be able to achieve that in 90-degree weather. Rather, the unit will run continuously and eventually freeze over. It can blow the compressor, among many other parts, which can cost you dearly when it freezes over. Having realistic expectations for your units’ abilities is essential, as it will not work miracles when Mother Nature is steaming.

Final Thoughts on Do’s and Don’ts of Air Conditioning

You cannot skimp on AC maintenance and expect it to work forever. What would happen if you never changed the oil in your car? There would eventually come a time when the engine would cease because the oil would turn into sludge.

You can use this same analogy when it comes to your AC unit. Not having it properly maintained can be costly when you have AC repairs that you weren’t expecting. Have you had your unit checked for the summer cooling season?

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