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People tend to make many mistakes when it comes to their air conditioners. From pre-purchase planning and installation to usage and maintenance, there are multiple issues to be wary of and avoid as much as possible. These mistakes tend to vary from minor to major, with different outcomes that might affect your AC unit’s safety, efficiency, and performance.
It’s no secret that air conditioners can be costly to maintain. In fact, according to Energy Star, the average household spends thousands of dollars a year on energy bills, nearly half of which goes towards cooling and heating costs.
While it may be tempting to cut corners when it comes to AC maintenance to save money, doing so can actually cost you more in the long run. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of air conditioning mistakes you need to avoid at all costs.
Ignoring the Sizing Requirements
Air conditioner experts in Australia carefully measure air conditioning units to go with the size of a building, especially when it’s new. When buying a new air conditioning system or renovating your house, it’s recommended to ensure that your unit perfectly fits the intended space. Furthermore, installing an AC unit designed for a smaller space than your home will make your unit work 2x harder than before.
It’s vital to know that overworked AC units tend to wear out more quickly. It will also struggle to meet the demands of your thermostat. Thus, it’s best to pay attention to capacity and choose the best unit to fit your space.
Not Arranging a Professional Check Up
Multiple professionals are experts in air conditioning systems in Australia. They know what to look for, fix air conditioner problems, and spot potential issues you might not know. Thus, it’s recommended to check out air conditioning services Newcastle, Perth, Sydney, or any other services near you to schedule a professional check-up.
You can personally do a routine check on your AC unit once in a while. However, it’s best to book professional cleaning and service at least once a year. That way, you’ll be able to maintain your AC unit properly.
Not Cleaning the Coils and Fins
Coils and fins are responsible for helping the evaporators inside and the condensers outside to suck up and let go of heat. Eliminating the heat is crucial, but a blanket of grime and dust holds it back. Thus, it’s essential to clean your air conditioner unit during the start of the warm season and check it from time to time, especially after high winds, storms, or any other calamities.
Turning a Blind Eye on the Air Filter
The air filter eliminates allergens, dust, and many filthy particles from the air that passes through your AC unit. Ignoring them will make the air in your air conditioner have difficulty getting through while increasing the dust in your home.
Furthermore, you can increase your AC unit’s efficiency by 5 to 15 percent just by replacing its filthy filter. It’s recommended to install a new air filter several times a year when needed. In addition, don’t forget to check and change your unit’s air filter after dusty activities like a big demolition or cleaning ductwork.
Not Setting Your Thermostat
Programmable or smart thermostats are a thing nowadays. It lets you set temperatures throughout the day, saving you money and taking control of cooling without constant attention. In addition, there are also advanced thermostats that can complement your home’s rhythm and let you change the temperature anywhere from an app.
If you don’t have any of these thermostats, it would be better to invest in one now. Save more cash and enjoy more efficient cooling with a thermostat replacement. This is highly recommended, especially if you have an outdated thermostat.
Not Checking the Drain
Several air conditioning systems have a drain that collects the condensation and prevents any moisture issues from developing by channeling the water outside your house. You can easily miss these drains. However, they have a crucial job.
An overflowing or clogged drain will lead to issues in your AC unit and even develop many problems concerning your surrounding floors and walls. Thus, it’s best to keep your drain clean to prevent any permanent damage, either on your AC or parts of the building itself.
Setting the Temperature Too Low
You should never set your thermostat too low. Most people tend to do so, thinking it will cool the surroundings faster. However, this should not be. Instead, it’s recommended to program your thermostat at a temperature you want, not lower than what you need at the moment.
To Sum It Up
If you want your AC unit to work as long as it can at high performance, you’ll need to avoid making common air conditioning mistakes. Most of the time, these mistakes are predictable and can easily be prevented. Furthermore, failure to avoid such mistakes can lead to unforeseen consequences that might damage your AC unit and cost you more.
