Homes in the United States now cost over $350,000. While this may be offputting to some, it can serve as a great investment opportunity under the right circumstances.
One of the most important responsibilities you have as a homeowner is properly maintaining your house. This is especially true when it comes to establishing an AC maintenance routine.
Interestingly, many homeowners make a handful of mistakes in AC maintenance that they could have avoided. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable.
1. Skipping Regular Maintenance
Not performing regular maintenance on your AC system is one of the most common mistakes when it comes to keeping it in good condition. Neglecting routine tasks such as cleaning, changing filters and lubricating motors can lead to costly repairs down the line. Even if you don’t notice any issues at the moment, they will eventually arise.
Parts will eventually wear out, and without periodic maintenance, you may find yourself dealing with an expensive breakdown. To ensure your AC system runs smoothly, have it inspected and serviced at least once a year.
This is the only way to ensure that everything is in good working order.
2. Overusing the AC Unit
It may be tempting to crank up the air conditioning on hot summer days, but try to resist the temptation and use it only when necessary. Doing so can have a huge impact on your energy bills, as well as help you avoid unnecessary repairs due to overuse. However, if you do use your AC system more frequently, make sure to keep an eye out for any signs of wear and tear.
3. Not Sealing Your Home
To make sure cool air doesn’t escape your home, it’s important to check and seal any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and other openings.
This helps ensure that the cooling system runs efficiently and prevents potential damage caused by air leakage. This is one of the most important preventative maintenance tasks that should not be overlooked.
4. Blocking Vents
Blocking vents in your home can cause the AC system to work harder and inefficiently.
To avoid this, make sure furniture or other objects are not blocking air vents or returns. This will help ensure that cool air is able to flow freely throughout your home.
Not only does blocking vents cause inefficiency, but it can also lead to costly repairs. For example, a blocked vent can cause the AC system to overheat and shut down.
5. Ignoring Strange Sounds
If you notice strange noises coming from your AC system, don’t ignore them.
These noises can be signs of potential problems that should be addressed immediately. Common noises you might hear include rattling, squealing, or grinding.
If you notice any of these sounds coming from your AC unit, contact a professional to inspect it and make necessary repairs. The longer you wait, the more damage you may cause to your system.
6. Not Checking the Filters
This is a crucial part of AC maintenance that many people overlook. Checking the filters once a month will help keep your AC system running efficiently and reduce strain on the unit.
Make sure to clean or replace them as needed to ensure optimal performance. The good news is that this is one of the most basic and easy maintenance tasks that anyone can do.
7. Not Scheduling Regular Tune-Ups
As you might assume, regular tuneups are key for maintaining your AC system and keeping it in good condition. An experienced technician can spot any potential problems, such as refrigerant leaks or dirty coils, to prevent them from becoming bigger issues down the line.
Tune-ups are fast and easy, so there’s no reason to skip them. Just be sure that you have a qualified technician handling the job.
8. Not Using a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are a great way to save energy and money while keeping your AC system running smoothly. You can program the thermostat to keep the temperature higher when you’re away from home, reducing strain on your unit and cutting down on unnecessary energy use.
Investing in a good programmable thermostat can go a long way in saving you money and making your AC system last longer.
What Should You Look For in a Repair Professional?
Before you move forward, it’s crucial to find the right repair professional for the job.
Look for someone who is certified, licensed, and insured. You should also look into their experience and customer reviews to make sure they are reputable.
While working with an inexperienced company doesn’t necessarily mean that you will get poor results, they will be much less likely to help you meet your goals. When it comes to something this important, you shouldn’t cut corners.
When checking their past reviews, pay attention to their response and how they handled customer complaints. If they appear to be aggressive or defensive with their customers, this is a sign that you should continue your search elsewhere.
As long as you do your due diligence, you should be able to find an AC repair expert without any trouble.
Dealing With Mistakes in AC Maintenance Is Simple
By avoiding these common mistakes in AC maintenance, you’ll be able to keep it functioning at peak performance for many years to come. Stay on top of regular maintenance and call a professional if you have any concerns or questions about your AC system. Doing so will ensure that you keep your home comfortable all year round.
Looking for more information on how we can help? Feel free to get in touch with us today to see what we can do.
