With summer approaching, having an efficient and properly maintained air conditioning system is crucial for your residential or commercial building. A well-maintained AC unit not only helps in keeping your indoor environment comfortable but also saves energy and extends the life of your system. While regular AC maintenance checks by our professionals are necessary, it’s also important for property owners to be aware of the most common AC maintenance mistakes to avoid any disruptions or costly repairs.
One common mistake property owners make is neglecting to change their air filters regularly. Air filters are responsible for trapping dust, debris, and other airborne contaminants that can negatively impact your indoor air quality and the efficiency of your AC system. Failing to change air filters can lead to reduced airflow, which ultimately results in higher energy bills and undue stress on your AC unit.
Join us as we explore some of the most common AC maintenance mistakes that residential and commercial property owners make and discuss ways to prevent them. By understanding these mistakes and applying the necessary corrective measures, you can ensure that your air conditioning system operates efficiently throughout the year and helps save on energy consumption and repair costs.
1. Neglecting to Change Air Filters Regularly
Neglecting to change your air filters is one of the most common maintenance mistakes that many property owners commit. Air filters are responsible for trapping dust, debris, and other airborne contaminants that can adversely affect your indoor air quality and the efficiency of your AC system.
Failing to replace air filters can lead to reduced airflow, which can force your AC unit to work harder, ultimately resulting in higher energy bills and undue stress on your system. It is generally recommended that air filters should be replaced every one to three months, depending on the type of filter, usage patterns, and the presence of pets or occupants with allergies. By staying on top of air filter replacements, you can ensure better airflow, improved indoor air quality, and enhanced performance of your AC system.
2. Skipping Routine AC Maintenance and Tune-ups
Many property owners underestimate the importance of regular AC maintenance and tune-ups, often skipping them entirely to save on expenses. This can be a costly mistake in the long run, as routine maintenance can drastically improve your AC system’s performance, extend its lifespan, and reduce the likelihood of expensive repairs.
Regular check-ups and inspections, ideally conducted by our technicians, are essential in identifying and addressing any potential issues before they escalate into significant problems. During an AC maintenance visit, our technicians will carefully inspect various components, clean the coils, and check for refrigerant leaks, ensuring your system is running efficiently. By scheduling routine maintenance and tune-ups, you can save on energy consumption and repair costs and ensure uninterrupted comfort throughout the year.
3. Ignoring the Outdoor Condenser Unit
The outdoor condenser unit is an integral part of your air conditioning system, as it helps release heat from the refrigerant to the outdoors. Many property owners, however, neglect to maintain the outdoor unit, which can result in reduced cooling capacity and efficiency.
A common oversight is not keeping the outdoor unit clean and free of debris, leaves, and other materials that can obstruct airflow. When the condenser unit is obstructed, it can dramatically affect the system’s overall performance. Make sure to keep the area surrounding the outdoor unit clean and clear of any obstacles, trim any overgrown bushes or plants, and periodically check for dust and dirt accumulation on the unit’s fins. This simple maintenance step can go a long way in ensuring your AC system is working at its optimal capacity.
4. Incorrect Thermostat Settings
Another common mistake that property owners make is not using their thermostats correctly. Incorrect thermostat settings can cause your AC system to work harder than necessary, leading to increased energy bills and potential damage to the equipment.
To avoid this problem, consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat that can automatically adjust the temperature settings based on your preferences and schedule. Additionally, avoid placing heat-generating appliances near the thermostat, as this can result in inaccurate temperature readings and cause your system to run more frequently than needed. By ensuring proper thermostat settings, you can maintain a comfortable indoor environment while minimizing energy consumption and wear and tear on your AC system.
Conclusion
Avoiding common AC maintenance mistakes and staying on top of the recommended procedures are essential for maintaining your residential or commercial building’s indoor comfort. By changing air filters regularly, scheduling routine maintenance and tune-ups, keeping your outdoor unit clean, and using your thermostat correctly, you can ensure that your air conditioning system will operate efficiently and effectively to keep your indoor environment comfortable year-round.
With our team of professional HVAC technicians, rest assured that your AC system is in good hands. Contact Allied Services today to schedule your regular AC service in Ardmore, OK, and keep your indoor environment comfortable and energy-efficient throughout the seasons.