Air conditioning systems are one of life’s joys, especially in the summer months when the heart is overwhelming. When the mercury hits 90°F or even 100°F, just sitting inside can be too hot to bear.
Unfortunately, many homeowners unknowingly make mistakes regarding their air conditioning systems, ultimately costing them a lot of money and shortening the lifespan of their units.
The following article discusses all of the most common air conditioning mistakes that increase energy bills and cause all sorts of other problems. Here’s what you need to know:
Neglecting Regular Maintenance
The first mistake many homeowners make is neglecting regular maintenance. They don’t take care of their AC systems like they should, leading to all sorts of problems.
A dirty air conditioning unit is a problem for all sorts of reasons, mainly because of the dirt and debris that can build up on the filters and coils. When this material becomes entrenched, it inevitably leads to damage, reducing efficiency and causing systems to shut down.
The solution is, fortunately, quite easy. All you need to do is give your AC filters a clean once every few months, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If it’s been hot weather for a long time and you’ve had the AC on a lot, you should also think about that (and whether it might be sensible to increase the frequency).
Setting The Thermostat Too Low
Another common mistake that’s often made is setting the thermostat too low. Many homeowners think that cranking it down to 38°F is the best policy, since it will cool the house faster.
The problem is that air conditioners don’t really work like this. The amount of heat energy they can remove from the room is fixed (at some upper limit), so if you set the temperature lower, it will take longer for them to get there.
This concept is similar to furnaces. Boilers don’t burn hotter when the central heating thermostat is turned up to maximum. Instead, the heating simply has to work for longer to bring the room to the desired temperature.
If you set the thermostat too low, you’ll overwork the system and be left with a lot of wasted energy. Instead, simply set it at the temperature you want and leave it. Once you reach the desired level, it will switch off automatically, saving you energy and protecting its internal circuits from wear and tear.
Ignoring Air Filter Replacement
You also want to avoid the mistake of avoiding air filter replacement, one of the biggest reasons why AC units don’t last as long as the manufacturer claims.
Ignoring air filter replacement is a serious issue because blocked vents disrupt air flow, putting components under pressure, pollute the air, and cause damage to AC internals. Overall, they cause the system to age rapidly, leading to coolant or compressor failures.
Fortunately, solving this problem is much more straightforward than many people think. All you need to do is whip out the old filter and replace it with a new one approved by the manufacturer.
Running The Wrong Size AC Unit
Another mistake is running the wrong size unit in your home. Some people install enormous air conditioning systems, while others opt for smaller products that don’t serve their needs.
The problem works both ways:
- Oversized units have a short cycle and turn on and off frequently, leading to inefficiencies and additional wear from the constant mode-switching
- Undersized units can’t really cool larger spaces and may need to run all the time with minimal effect
If you think you have the wrong size unit, go to an AC replacement company and ask them for their advice. The industry works based on volumes and cooling output, so if your air conditioner is the wrong size for the rooms or spaces you want to cool, you can find out fast.
You will also sometimes come across the “load calculation.” This equation attempts to find out how much power your AC unit requires based on the square footage of your rooms, the climate in your area, and the quality of your insulation. Taking all these factors into account can provide you with a reasonable estimate of what will work.
Ignoring Strange Noises
Another mistake people make with their AC units is strange noises. They don’t listen carefully to the sounds coming from them.
Dismissing grinding and rattling is a bad idea. Usually, it means that a component is about to fail or is experiencing unnecessary damage. Combined with a musty smell, these symptoms suggest even deeper problems, perhaps necessitating replacement.
Often, these mechanical issues don’t get better with time. Almost always, the situation will deteriorate further, meaning repairs or replacement is usually the only option.
The trick is to call a professional and get them to help you. They can tell you if you need to make changes or not.
Failing To Insulate Ducts
Failing to insulate ducts is another major consideration, especially on new builds. A lot of building companies will literally route the ducting through the attic (to get it out of the way of the rest of the home), where temperatures can rise to 150°F in the summer.
The problem with this issue is that ducts can’t transport cool air around your home. Instead, the surrounding atmosphere warms them up, making the whole AC unit less efficient.
One approach is to cover the ducts with more insulation. Wrapping them up protects them from temperature changes and keeps them cold once the air starts flowing.
Another option is to simply remove them from the attic and place them in other parts of the home where there is less extreme heat exposure. This approach is more expensive, but perhaps also more cost-effective long-term.
It’s also something to remember if you ever build a property in the future or buy another home. Checking the ductwork in the attic is critical for peace of mind and to ensure you don’t wind up wasting a lot of money in the future.
Failing To Clean The Outdoor Unit
Failing to clean the outdoor unit is another issue that can crop up. Usually, this is quite well protected by a shroud, but all sorts of things can get inside, including twigs, leaves, mud, and critters.
As such, cleaning this out is essential. If you don’t, debris could restrict air flow and may prevent the unit from operating at 100% efficiency, which is what you want.
Don’t use a pressure hose on the unit (since it contains electrical items). Instead, clean around the unit and then use a cloth to wipe it down. If there is a debris grate you can remove and clean, do that separately.
Using The Wrong Thermostat Settings
Using the wrong thermostat settings is another mistake many homeowners make regarding their AC. Most don’t understand the various modes and options.
For example, the “fan on” setting usually means that the unit will run continuously until you tell it not to. This issue is that it will waste energy and could potentially circulate extra dust, causing it to build up in your home.
Using the “auto” setting usually fixes this problem. This mode means that the AC only runs the fan when you want cooling, and turns it off the best of the time.
Failing To Check The Refrigerant Levels
Finally, some homeowners can get into trouble when they fail to check the refrigerant levels. You want to make sure that these are topped up, as it affects cooling efficiency and damage to the compressor.
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