A List Of Air Conditioner ‘Don’ts’ That Can Lead To Excessive AC Repair | Irving, TX
Most of us take our air conditioners for granted despite their vital role in keeping us comfortable. We crank them up to full blast in the summertime and enjoy the relief from the heat. But we may not realize that there are a few bad habits we’ve developed over the years that could be slowly ruining our air conditioners. If you’re not careful, these bad habits could lead to decreased performance and even costly AC repairs. Keep reading to learn about 12 damaging habits that could be ruining your air conditioner!
Closing Vents in Unoccupied Rooms
While it may seem like a good idea to close the vents in unused rooms to save energy, doing so can damage your air conditioner. Here’s why: Your air conditioner is designed to circulate cool air throughout your home, and closing off vents disrupts that flow. As a result, your AC unit must work harder to maintain the same level of cooling power, using more energy in the process. In addition, closed vents can cause the cooled air to back into your ductwork, leading to condensation and mold growth.
Closing vents can also cause the unit to work harder than necessary, leading to premature wear and tear. So next time you’re tempted to close a vent in an unused room, remember that it could be damaging your air conditioner – and costing you money in the long run in AC repairs.
Smoking Inside
Smoking inside the home can cause serious damage to your air conditioner. Smoke particles are very small and can easily become lodged in the filter of your AC unit, reducing its efficiency and potentially causing permanent damage. In addition, the constant presence of smoke can cause the coils of your AC unit to become coated in a sticky residue, which can impede their ability to absorb heat.
As a result, your AC unit will have to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to higher energy bills and shortened lifespan. If you enjoy smoking indoors, be sure to take steps to protect your AC unit from the harmful effects of smoke. It’s also a good idea to have the unit regularly serviced by a professional in Irving, TX, to remove any build-up of smoke residue. It will save you from costly AC repairs down the line.
Failing to Change Your Filter
AC repair companies see it all the time – people who think they can save a few dollars by not regularly changing their air conditioner’s filter. Unfortunately, this is a false economy, as a dirty filter can cost you more in the long run.
A build-up of dirt and dust will restrict airflow through the filter, making your AC work harder to achieve the same level of cooling. This increases wear and tear on the AC unit and can lead to costly AC repairs down the line. In addition, a dirty filter will reduce the efficiency of your AC, leading to higher energy bills. So next time you’re tempted to skip a filter change, remember that it could cost you more in AC repairs.
Depending on your filter type, it should be changed every one to three months. Not only will changing your filter regularly save you money on AC repairs, but it will also improve the air quality in your Irving, TX home by trapping pollutants and allergens. So be sure to have an AC professional check your filter regularly, and change it as needed.
Running the AC When It’s Not Necessary
As the summer heat sets in, many of us default to running the AC day and night to keep our homes cool and comfortable. Granted, it will keep your home cooler, but it is also working overtime and damaging the AC unit. When you run the AC when it’s not necessary, you’re putting unnecessary stress on the unit. This can lead to parts wearing down faster than they should and eventually needing to be replaced.
AC units are designed to cool your home, not run all day and night. If you’re running the AC when it’s not necessary, you could be adding months or even years onto the lifespan of your unit.
So how can you avoid this problem? One solution is to invest in a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature based on your schedule. That way, you won’t have to worry about forgetting to turn off the AC when you leave for work or run errands. Another option is to be more mindful of your AC usage and only turn it on when necessary. By following these tips, you can help prolong the life of your unit and avoid costly AC repairs down the road.
Leaving Windows Open When the AC Is Running
When the AC is running, many people have the habit of leaving windows open. Some people do this to “air out” the house, while others do it to let in some fresh air. However, this habit can be damaging to your AC unit. The AC works by circulating cooled air throughout the house.
When you open a window, warm air from outside can enter the home and negate the AC’s cooling efforts. In addition, the AC has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, which can lead to wear and tear on the unit. Ultimately, this can shorten the AC’s lifespan and lead to expensive AC repair bills. So next time you’re tempted to leave a window open while the AC is running, remember that it’s not doing your air conditioner any favors.
Putting Furniture Too Close to the Vents
Most people are unaware that putting furniture too close to the vents as a habit can damage your air conditioner. It can cause AC repair due to the lack of airflow circulation. When the airflow is blocked, it places extra strain on the AC unit, leading to a breakdown.
The AC unit will have to work harder to function properly when airflow is restricted, so keeping things clean around the vents is important. Not only will this save you money in AC repairs, but it will also prolong the life of your AC unit. So next time you’re tempted to push that couch up against the vent, remember: it’s better for your AC unit – and your wallet – if you give it some breathing room.
Running Appliances and Electronics That Produce Heat
Like most people, you probably have a few appliances and electronics that generate heat in your Irving, TX home. While it may not seem a big deal, habitually running these devices can damage your air conditioner.
The AC works by circulating cool air throughout the room, but when it’s forced to operate in a hot environment, it must work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This can put a lot of strain on the unit, leading to increased wear and tear and eventually requiring air conditioning repair.
So if you want to keep your AC in good condition, give it some breathing room by refraining from running heat-producing appliances and electronics simultaneously. And when in doubt, turn on a fan to help circulate the air and keep things cool.
Setting the Thermostat Too Low or Too High
Setting the thermostat too low or too high can strain your AC unit and shorten its lifespan. When you set the AC too low, the unit must work harder to cool the room down to the desired temperature. This extra work can cause wear and tear on the AC unit and may eventually lead to a need for AC repair.
Alternatively, setting the AC too high can also be damaging. If the AC is set too high, it will run less often, allowing condensation and other debris to build up inside the unit. Over time, this build-up can damage the AC unit and prevent it from running properly. To avoid damaging your AC unit, keeping it set at a moderate temperature is best.
Allowing Plants to Grow Too Close to the Unit
AC repair companies in Irving, TX, get a lot of calls during the summer from people whose units have stopped working. In many cases, the AC unit has frozen up due to a lack of airflow. This can often be solved by simply trimming back any plants that have grown too close to the unit, as they may be blocking the airflow. However, other potential problems can occur if you allow plants to grow too close to your AC unit.
For example, vines and other climbing plants can entangle the unit’s coils, causing damage and potentially requiring expensive AC repairs. In addition, leaves and other debris can build up around the unit, making it more difficult for the AC unit to cool your home effectively. As a result, it’s important to keep your AC unit clear of any plants or debris that could cause problems.
Routine Maintenance Tasks Are Often Ignored
AC repair is one of those routine maintenance tasks that’s often ignored. This is a big mistake, as neglecting your AC can lead to serious problems down the road. Not only will you have to spend more money on AC repairs, but you could also be putting your health at risk. AC units that aren’t properly maintained are more likely to break down; when they do, they can release harmful toxins into the air.
In addition, AC units that aren’t routinely serviced are more likely to develop mold and mildew, which can cause respiratory problems. So if you want to keep your AC unit in good working order, schedule regular maintenance appointments from a professional AC company in Irving, TX. Doing so will save money in the long run and help keep your family healthy.
Letting Your Pets Run IN and OUT of the House
As any pet owner knows, animals can be very messy. They shed fur, track in dirt and mud, and often have accidents indoors. While letting your pets run out and inside the house may seem harmless, this habit could damage your air conditioner.
AC units are designed to circulate air throughout the home, but when pet hair and dander get caught in the system, it can cause the unit to work harder than necessary. This not only increases your energy bills but can also shorten the lifespan of your AC unit.
In addition, animal urine and feces can contain bacteria that can spread through the AC system, causing illness in your family. For these reasons, it is best to keep your pets outdoors as much as possible, or at least confine them to one area of the house. If you must let them inside, vacuum and dust regularly to keep the AC unit clean.
Ignoring Strange Noises
If you’re like most people, you probably ignore strange noises coming from your air conditioner. After all, it’s just an appliance, right? Wrong. Ignoring strange noises coming from your AC unit can be quite damaging. First, the noise could indicate a serious problem, such as a loose fan or a failing compressor.
This problem can lead to expensive AC repairs down the road if left unaddressed. Additionally, ignoring strange noises can shorten your AC unit’s lifespan. So next time you hear a strange noise from your AC, don’t ignore it – call a professional AC repair company in Irving, TX, for diagnosis and repair.
Let Us Take Care of Your AC Unit
If you’re concerned about the condition of your AC unit in Irving, TX, don’t hesitate to contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas. Our team of certified HVAC technicians is here to help keep your AC unit in top condition. We offer a wide range of AC repair and maintenance services, including AC tune-ups, system diagnostics, and repairs.
We also offer new AC installation for those who need it. Don’t let a damaged AC unit ruin your summer – call us today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you!