Avoid These 4 Common Air Conditioning Mistakes

When the temperatures rise, all you want to do is sit inside with the air conditioner on full blast. Unfortunately, there could be problems with using your AC that you might not realize until you are suffering through heat during a 100-degree day. Here are some air conditioning mistakes to avoid so it is always working effectively:

Running Your Air Conditioner Constantly

Your air conditioner is not meant to be run 24 hours a day. This should not be necessary with the exception of a short heatwave blowing through town. Aside from that, you should only have it running when you are uncomfortably hot inside your home. You will waste a lot of energy by running it constantly, and the system will require more repairs and maintenance due to the extra wear and tear.

Try to set the thermostat as high as you can stand and make sure it turns off at night when the sun goes down and temperature starts to lower.

Never Running Your Air Conditioner

Another mistake is actually not running your air conditioner enough. While you don't want it to go all day every day, you should still turn it on occasionally to prevent mold and mildew from forming inside the unit. You need the air flow that you get from turning it on every once in a while.

If you are in the dead of winter and don't need the cold air, at least let it run for a little while as you sit in front of the fireplace to stay cozy. It doesn't have to be for a long time, but these short bursts of operation will help to improve the air quality and prevent the unit from deteriorating.

Not Using the Right Size Air Conditioner

It is a common mistake to choose a unit that is too big or too small for your home. Sizing the air conditioner is a very important part of buying a new one. If you aren't sure what size you need, contact an HVAC professional who can help you get the perfect one. If the unit is too small, it needs to work extra hard to cool off your home. If it is too big, it is a waste of energy used and the investment was unnecessary. The size of the air conditioner will be determined by the size of your home and the number of rooms you have.

Failing to Change the Air Filter

Your air filter needs to be changed or cleaned on a regular basis. The air filter will hold onto dust, dander, and debris to prevent it from going through your vents and into your clean air. However, if it gets clogged, the air will no longer distribute evenly throughout your home. To have clean air quality and an effective air conditioner, make sure you replace your air filter if it is a disposable kind. If it is reusable, clean it regularly.

If you need more help, click here for more info about your HVAC unit or if you need a new one.