There’s no doubt a cooling system is a necessity in San Antonio, but it’s also a major investment. If properly cared for, your air conditioner should perform reliably for at least 15 years. Its life span may be significantly shorter, however, if upkeep is neglected, and it may cost more than it’s worth in repairs. Here are five things to stop doing to your A/C right now that you’ll appreciate in the long run.
Neglecting to Change the Filter
An air filter traps particulates that can be harmful to your cooling system and lower indoor air quality. When dirty, an air filter restricts airflow across the evaporator coil, lowering the cooling capacity of your system. This forces the compressor to work even harder, shortening the system’s life span. Experts recommend checking and changing the filter every month.
Skipping Annual Maintenance
One of the most important things to stop doing to your A/C is skipping routine maintenance. Schedule annual maintenance each spring with an HVAC contractor to have your system cleaned, tuned and serviced. This helps increase efficiency, lower energy bills and prevent major repairs.
Constantly Changing the Temperature
Avoid overworking your cooling system by leaving the temperature settings in a consistent, narrow range rather than extremely high or low. Use a programmable thermostat, setting it to your ideal temperature while home and awake, 10 to 15 degrees higher while you’re away, and up to 10 degrees warmer while you sleep.
Causing a Buildup of Ice
If your A/C is too small for your home or you place extreme demands on it, ice may form on the outdoor condenser, causing the motor or other parts to fail. If this happens, turn the unit off immediately and call for service.
Not Arranging for an Energy Audit
During a home energy audit, a technician will test for air leakage, check insulation levels and ensure your air conditioner is properly sized for your home.
Learn more about which things to stop doing to your A/C by contacting Beyer Boys. We’ve been serving homeowners in the San Antonio area since 1990.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater San Antonio, Texas area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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