Avoid These Eleven Common Air Conditioning Mistakes

Summers can get unbearable between the intense sunlight and high humidity. That’s why homes need to have functional air conditioning in Stuart FL.

But people tend to make a few mistakes during installation, maintenance, setting, repairs, etc. that affect its performance. So here’s a list of some of these mistakes that you should avoid, to spend the summer comfortably:

Buying AC That’s Too Big Or Small

Many people have this misconception that a big AC will cool the room faster. That’s not how ACs work. You need to match the AC’s capacity with the room size to get optimal cooling.

If the unit is too large, then it may cause short cycling. The unit might fail to dehumidify the room. If it’s too small, then it may not cool the room evenly. So you need the right capacity based on your room.

It’s best to consult professionals before installation. Technicians take home layout, insulation, etc. into account when suggesting a model.

Neglecting Dirty Filters

Air filters prevent dust particles from entering the system to protect internal components and improve air quality. Their pores get clogged after some time which can affect the airflow and damage the system.

You need to change or clean the filters every one to three months to prevent airflow issues. It’s a simple step you can take during your free time.

Setting Thermostat To Lowest Temperature

Setting the thermostat to the lowest temperature will not make the air conditioner cool the room fast. It will only increase the amount of power you use to cool your home. You should set the fan speed high to spread the cool air faster throughout the room.

Placing Thermostat Near Windows

The sunlight from the windows might mess with the thermostat. Its heat might cause the air conditioner to run even when the room is cool enough.

Placing it directly in front of a window might cause a similar issue. You should place the thermostat away from windows and direct sunlight.

Placing Thermostat Near Appliances

Appliances like lamps and refrigerators also release heat that might cause the aircon to run longer. Keep it away from appliances to save power.

Hiding Outdoor Unit

Many people hide their outdoor units with trees, plants, etc. to maintain curb appeal. Doing this might block the airflow to the condenser causing cooling issues. So don’t block the outdoor unit with anything.

Letting Draft In

Drafty doors and windows let the cool air out and let warm air in. This causes the system to work harder to maintain the temperature you want. You should get the doors, windows, and other openings insulated to prevent drafts.

Leaving Door/Window Open

It’s common sense to shut the door/window of the room you want to cool. Leaving them open will cause cool air to seep out.

Delaying Replacement

An average air conditioner can last for ten to fifteen years. After that phase, it needs frequent repairs and may eventually die. Some of its parts may be outdated, which adds to the repair bill. But many people delay replacing the unit due to cost concerns.

It’s best to replace an old unit after ten to fifteen years. Air conditioners are costly but a new unit can help save on repairs. New models come with many features that weren’t available in the past. They tend to be more energy-efficient and eco-friendlier.

Skipping Tune-Ups

Despite what many people think, annual tune-ups are not extra costs that technicians promote for extra income. It’s an investment for a cool and comfortable summer.

You need to get your unit serviced at least once a year to ensure that it functions smoothly. A technician can fix existing issues with the unit and optimize its performance. The last weeks of winter and the first weeks of spring are ideal times for AC servicing.

Ignoring AC Issues

Some issues might seem too minor to concern yourself with. But sleeping on the issue might lead to it worsening. It’s best to get an AC repair in Palm City as soon as possible.