Things You Shouldn’t Do When Using Your AC Unit

Summer is just a few weeks away, which means your air conditioning unit has to be ready to make your home a comfortable oasis. As such, you need to make sure that it’s in good working condition. After all, the last thing you want is an equipment breakdown in the middle of a hot day or a steady increase in your energy bill over the warmer months. Here ACS, one of the top local HVAC contractors in the area, shares the habits or mistakes you should be careful not to make when using your AC unit.

Failing to Change or Clean Air Filters

Too much dirt on the HVAC filters doesn’t just encourage poor airflow; it also causes the evaporator coil to freeze, forcing the unit to work excessively to keep it cool inside the house. This affects the equipment’s interior components and can lead to a malfunction. Before the summer season begins, see to it that the filters of your AC unit are cleaned or changed to prevent premature failure. Do so every month if the system is going to be in operation over the next few months.

Cooling Empty Rooms

You’re only wasting energy by keeping the vents of your air conditioner open in all areas of your home, regardless of if they’re occupied or not. Air conditioning replacement pros recommend checking each room to see if the vents are open in those that are rarely occupied. Close them down, along with the closet doors, so these spaces don’t suck in all the cold air.

Setting the Thermostat Too Low

Many people believe that turning the temperature down on the thermostat in the summer will help cool your rooms right away. Never attempt to do this, however. Instead, program your thermostat to 78 degrees F, which is the optimal setting if you’re inside your home going about your daily activities. Set this temperature so that the air conditioning unit doesn’t have to work overtime to reach the desired comfort level. However, if you’re away from home, don’t turn the AC off before you leave—set it to 85 degrees F instead.

Schedule Your Inspection With ACS

ACS is your leading provider of heating and cooling services. From heater repair to AC replacement, our NATE-certified technicians are ready to keep your home comfortable all year ’round. Call us at (925) 676-2103 or fill out our contact form to request free estimates on new installations.