A Look at Some Common AC Maintenance Mistakes

Air conditioning is a necessity in areas where summer temperatures soar to unbearable levels. Therefore, having a reliably working system is important. As with all mechanical devices, there is a right way and a wrong way to operate your air conditioner. Here are some common AC maintenance mistakes you should be aware of.

Forgetting to Change Your Air Filter

The most common mistake you can make is to neglect your system’s air filter. Air filters improve the indoor air quality of homes by trapping particulates and allergens in the air, such as pollen and dust, and by keeping them from circulating throughout homes via air conditioners’ ductwork and vents. Most modern air conditioning models utilize disposable air filters, which need to be changed out at least once every three months.

And if you live with animals or someone who smokes indoors, you have to switch them out sooner—i.e. once a month. Neglecting to change your filter frequently, or not at all, can damage your AC unit by causing its fan motor, which has to work harder to draw air through a clogged filter, to burn out.

Keeping Your System on Unnecessarily

It’s a bad idea to let your system run constantly, especially when no one is home to enjoy it. Systems that run constantly tend to break down sooner than they should. A good air conditioning unit efficiently cools down a space while using just enough energy to do so. Your thermostat should be programmed at a reasonable temperature, and your system should turn on and off accordingly to maintain an established ambient temperature. If you notice that your air conditioner is running constantly without your consent, contact a professional who specializes in HVAC repairs in Orlando.

Setting Your Thermostat Low

One surefire way to increase your monthly energy bill is to set your thermostat to its lowest temperature, which happens to be 60 degrees in standard thermostats. Not only is it wasteful to have your temperature set so low, it can also put a strain on your system because it has to run longer in order to reach and maintain that low temperature. In the summer, a reasonable and comfortable temperature range inside a home is 72 to 74 degrees.