8 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Air Conditioner
For those who live in the Monrovia, CA, area, the hot summer months make owning an air conditioner a necessity. If you do own an air conditioner, you will want to keep it running as well as possible. While an air conditioner can be a very durable appliance, there are eight common mistakes that people make that can make them less efficient and lead to more repairs.
1. Not Having an Annual Service
When you have an air conditioner, the most important thing you need to do is to have it serviced on an annual basis. An annual service is important because it will allow a technician to inspect and clean the unit. If necessary, technicians can also recommend a variety of other repairs and improvements. Ultimately, this service will help to keep your unit running efficiently and can help you to avoid more serious repairs.
2. Delaying Filter Replacement
While there are some repairs and services that should be handled by a professional, there are a variety of maintenance tasks that you can complete at home. One thing you should always try to do to keep your air conditioner running well is to replace the filter. The air conditioner filter is designed to keep dust and debris out of your system. Ideally, you should replace it every few months.
3. Not Cleaning Accessible Areas
Another mistake that people will make with their air conditioner is not cleaning it. If you have an outdoor air conditioner unit, you should make sure that the area around it is always free of leaves, dirt and other debris. You can usually do this by sweeping the area about once per week. Also, you should get in the habit of wiping down the unit and cleaning the fans, coils and other accessible parts. Doing this will help keep it running well.
4. Ignoring Indoor Smells
If you start to notice odd smells inside your home, the natural reaction will be to try and clean your home as much as possible. However, it is also very common that the odd smells will be coming from your ducts. If you start to notice a musty, moldy or smoky smell, it could be coming from your ducts. In these situations, you should have a professional come and clean them out. This should help to get rid of the smell and improve your air quality overall.
5. Picking the Wrong-Size Unit
While an air conditioner with proper care can last you for a long time, there will come a time when you will need to replace one. The process of replacing an air conditioner can be complicated. Some people make the mistake of choosing a unit that is too large or too small for their home. When you are looking for a new air conditioner in Monrovia, General Heating & Air Conditioning can help you to find an air conditioner that is right for your home based on your size and layout.
6. Relying on an Old Thermostat
The air conditioner thermostat is important as it can help to control the temperature of your home. If you have an older and less reliable thermostat, it could give you less control. In these situations, you should consider upgrading to a new smart thermostat. With these, you will be able to control your thermostat remotely and set a variety of programs to limit waste and improve efficiency.
7. Setting the Temperature Too Low
While you will want to use your air conditioner regularly to give you a relaxing place to spend time, over-cooling it can be problematic. By increasing your desired temperature to only a couple of degrees, you can drastically reduce the amount of time that your air conditioner needs to spend working. This can reduce your energy bills and help you avoid repairs.
8. Ignoring Problems
Ultimately, your air conditioner will last for a very long time if you treat it well. A big part of this is having repairs done when necessary. If you notice that your air conditioner is making strange noises, if your utility bills are increasing, or if it is less effective, you should have it inspected immediately. This could allow you to catch a problem before it turns into a more serious issue.
When you have an air conditioner in the Monrovia, CA, area, it is important to keep it running well. This can include receiving regular maintenance and service. When you need any maintenance, repair or service for your air conditioner, you should contact us at General Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment. We offer heating, cooling, attic insulation and indoor air quality services.