Summertime is often hot and humid, which can be miserable for many homeowners. The only thing that makes it bearable is air conditioning. If you're like most homeowners, you crank up the AC as soon as the temperature rises above 80 degrees. However, if you're not careful, you can easily make your AC work harder than necessary and drive up your energy bills. In this blog post, Carter Comfort Systems will discuss some of the most common mistakes homeowners make with their AC units and how to avoid them!
Not Changing the Air Filter
One of the most common AC mistakes is not changing the air filter. Your air conditioner's air filter is responsible for trapping dirt, dust, and other airborne particles. Over time, these particles can build up and clog the filter, which reduces airflow and makes your AC work harder than necessary. To keep your AC running efficiently, change the air filter every one to three months. Changing your air filter regularly will also significantly improve your indoor air quality.
Continuously Adjusting the Thermostat
Another common mistake is continuously changing the temperature on the thermostat. Your AC unit has an internal sensor that tells it when to turn on and off based on the temperature in your home. If you're constantly adjusting the thermostat up and down, this sensor gets confused and doesn't know when to turn on or off. As a result, your AC unit will run more often than necessary, driving up your energy bills. It’s best to find a comfortable temperature and let your thermostat do its job.
Closing the Vents
Another mistake homeowners make is closing vents in unused rooms to make other rooms feel cooler. This may seem like a good way to save money, but it actually puts a strain on your AC unit and can cause it to break down prematurely. Your AC system won’t know that some of your vents are closed, so it will continue to try and push air out of them, which can stress out your system. Keep all of your vents open for even air circulation and make sure there is no furniture blocking any of your vents.
Turning the AC off When You Leave the House
Many homeowners also make the mistake of turning their AC units off when they leave the house to save money on their energy bills. However, this can actually end up costing you more money in the long run because your AC unit will have to work harder to cool down your home when you turn it back on.
Forgetting to Clean the Outdoor Unit
One of the most important things you can do for your AC unit is to keep the outdoor unit clean. Over time, dirt and debris can build up on the coils, making it harder for your AC unit to cool down your home. To clean the coils, simply remove them and rinse them with a hose. Be sure to let them dry completely before putting them back in place. You should also keep at least two feet of cleared space around the outdoor unit, meaning there should be no branches or other outdoor debris blocking the unit.
Neglecting HVAC Maintenance
Finally, one of the most common AC mistakes is neglecting regular maintenance. Just like any other appliance in your home, your AC unit needs regular tune-ups to keep it running efficiently. Be sure to have a professional technician come out once a year to clean to check your system for any potential problems.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure your AC system will be operating just the way you need it to this summer. If you’re looking to schedule AC repairs or seasonal maintenance, give our team a call at (208) 739-4181 or fill out our online contact form.