If you own an air conditioning unit at your home or business, chances are you have made a mistake or two when it comes to the maintenance of it over the time you have had it. Proper air conditioning management is imperative to keeping the cost down of your energy bills as well as increasing the efficiency of your air conditioning system and ultimately, avoiding costly repairs or even worse, having to fork out money to buy a brand new air conditioner to replace the old one that was not maintained properly.
Below are ten detailed common mistakes that many people make that you can now avoid so that your air conditioning unit will last for many years into the future while you reap the rewards.
Disregarding Sizing Requirements
When you have your air conditioning unit installed by HVAC services professionals, they will take the time to carefully choose the correct size of air conditioning unit for the number of square or cubic feet of your home or business. When purchasing and installing a new air conditioning unit yourself at your home or business, you should take the time to ensure it is the proper size of the unit to fit the space it will be used for. This is because if you install an air conditioning unit that is rated to be used in a smaller area than your home or business actually is, it will cause it to work overtime to keep the air cool. If an air conditioner is overworked, it can wear out much more quickly since it is struggling to meet the demands of the thermostat. By the same token, if you install an air conditioning unit that is rated for a much larger space than you actually have, it will constantly be turning itself on and off, which can also wear it out before its time, and it can make it very undependable when it comes to the comfort level of your home or business. You need to purchase an air conditioning unit with the proper BUThs and BTUs to ensure your air conditioning unit lasts for many years to come or have it installed by a professional.
Do Not Open the Windows
Many of us love to have some fresh air once in a while, especially on a cool spring or summer morning, but this could do more damage than you think it will to the air conditioning unit at your home or business. This is because you could be letting some of the cool air out of your home while allowing unfiltered air into your home or business area. This unfiltered air can irritate anyone in your home or business who suffers from seasonal allergies. For these reasons, it is imperative that you keep all windows and doors closed while your air conditioner is in operation.
Keeping Coils, Fins, and Filters Clean
It is imperative that you keep the filter of your air conditioner clean and free of dirt, allergens, debris, and dust. It is just as important to ensure that the fins and coils of your air conditioning unit are also clean since they help with the air conditioner's evaporators that are inside your home as well as the condensers that are outside to absorb and release the hot air. The movement of hot air is imperative to the overall function of your air conditioning unit but if it becomes corroded with dust and grime, functioning will be decreased. You should clean your air conditioner at the beginning of every warm season and then check the fins and coils throughout the time your air conditioning unit is in use and definitely after there has been a windstorm or thunderstorm to ensure that they stay free of debris. The air filter of your air conditioning unit is designed to remove allergens, dust, and more detrimental particles from the air that pass through your air conditioning system. If your unit has disposable filters, you should change the filter at least once a month, and if it contains a filter you can wash it thoroughly with hot water and allow it to dry completely before replacing it. You also need to do that on a monthly basis throughout the time your air conditioning unit is in use. This will decrease the amount of dust and allergens that are in your home or business and allow your air conditioning unit to run properly and efficiently throughout the time it is in use. This will save you money when it comes to energy bills as well as maintenance and repair of your air conditioning unit. If you have central air conditioning, you should ensure that your ductwork is clean and free of debris at all times.
Not Adjusting the Thermostat Properly
While it is true that you could actually save money on your energy bill by decreasing your cooling usage by turning your thermostat up a few degrees when you are going to be away from your home for several hours, too much of a good thing can also be bad. You should not turn the air conditioning unit thermostat up more than five degrees or you could be overworking the unit to restore to your normal temperature when you return home or to your business. You need to set a small margin of degree adjustments that will allow for plenty of comforts as well as savings on your energy bill.
Contact Us
Proper maintenance of your air conditioning unit is imperative to keep it operating efficiently and effectively. The best way to achieve this is to call in the professionals, such as the air conditioning specialists at PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air in Mesa, AZ. Call for an appointment today!
