Faced with hot summer weather, many of us think only about cooling off and making our house a safe haven from the searing temperature outside. In doing so, we often forget that the AC system that makes it possible needs to be properly maintained. If you don’t want to suddenly be left sweating, or freezing during the winter months, you need to give your unit the care it needs.
Like with every piece of equipment in your household, there are things you need to do and things you need to avoid doing to make the atmosphere in your home more comfortable. Although everything is nicely pointed out in the instruction manual we can neglect it and do things which can seriously damage your air conditioner.
Here are some of the key mistakes most of the AC owners make and that you need to avoid.
Clean the AC Filters
Depending on how much you use the unit, you should change its filters at least every 3 months. In certain areas of the world like Florida, where AC is not a convenience but a necessity, it will be running probably all the time and in that case, new filters should be installed every month.
Not doing this regularly will lead to dirty filters and poor system performance. The airflow will not move properly due to the buildup which can then lead to unit breakdown and costly repairs. Dirty filters can add 5 % to 15% to your monthly bill and can kill your system.
In terms of replacement costs, it’s pretty cheap. Just make this a monthly chore and invest a small amount of your free time so you wouldn’t have to call a maintenance guy and spend a lot of cash.
The maintenance of the ductless mini splits is even easier. These systems, as stated by experts at https://www.acdirect.com/ductless-air-conditioners/residential-systems/single-zone, are highly-effective for smaller venues. Another perk if you use them is that keeping them clean is as simple as it can be. All you have to do is remove the panel and wipe the filter with a rag. That’s all! No replacement is needed.
Running at a Very Low Temperature
To make the room cool faster, many will make the AC run on the temperature that is lower than the one they desire. This is a mistake for several reasons. First of all, your room will actually not get to that temperature any faster, but what’s more important – it can cause damage to your unit.
By doing this, you will make the system work harder than necessary and spend more energy, costing you more money. Researches show that for every degree higher on the thermostat, you will save money and be more environmentally-friendly.
Routine Maintenance
Just like with every machine, to run properly for a long time and serve you well, AC needs to be properly serviced once a year. A certified repairman will be able to detect certain things an untrained eye will not even notice. Professionals will see the warning signs of possible problems like leaks and dirt blockages that can seriously reduce the working capacity of the unit. Having these yearly checkups can improve the airflow and reduce your energy bills.
Poorly Positioned Thermostat
You need to make sure your thermostat is not exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time during the day. This can cause a false reading on the temperature and make the system run more than necessary. If you’re spending a bigger part of your day outside your home, this can go unnoticed. Something similar can happen if the thermostat is positioned near the lamps so make sure you think things through before any installation takes place.
Also, it’s important not to block vents with furniture. If they are located behind the curtains or something like a sofa, you will not have the optimal airflow.
Programmable Thermostat
Leaving your AC working all the time will kill it prematurely. Although they are built to last for a long time, running it non-stop on a full blast, even where you’re not home, will affect it negatively.
A programmable thermostat is a perfect solution to this problem. Having one will allow you to set temperatures for specific periods during the day and as a result, save you money while still providing you with a comfortable room atmosphere when you come back home.
Air conditioning units are very important in providing us with comfortable living and working conditions. This is especially true for those areas where temperatures can be sky-high for prolonged time periods or where they fall below freezing. So, make sure you treat your AC system properly and do regular maintenance check-ups if you want it to work for a long time.