Keeping your home cool is one way to stay safe this summer. According to WebMD, exposure to hot temperatures can cause heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Using your air conditioner to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home will protect you and your family from health risks.
To prevent dangerous system breakdowns during the hottest days of the year, learn better ways to use your AC. Take a look at these 5 bad habits that could be damaging your air conditioner.
Installing the wrong size AC
Installing an incorrectly sized AC system can lead to many problems. An air conditioner unit that is too big for your home will turn on and off frequently, while one that is too small will have to work harder to maintain your comfort level at home. Both can cause your cooling bills to skyrocket and your system to fail prematurely. To correctly determine the AC size for your home, it would be best to ask the help of a licensed contractor.
Leaving air filters unchecked
Checking the air filters regularly to see if they need cleaning or replacing is crucial to the overall health of your air conditioner. Your AC filters trap harmful pollutants in the air as it enters your home. Over time, it can get clogged with dust and dirt that restricts the smooth flow of air. This usually results in temperature imbalance in your home and warm air blowing out of your vents.
Homeowners are highly advised to replace their air filters every 30 to 90 days to maintain the efficiency of their AC system. The U.S. Department of Energy says it can also help reduce your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5 percent to 15 percent.
Incorrect thermostat use
Equipping your HVAC with a programmable thermostat is one to save energy on your cooling bills this summer. However, you need to learn how to use it properly. Improper use of your thermostat, such as frequently adjusting the temperature, can cause your AC to run inefficiently. The Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) recommends setting the thermostat between 25ºC and 27ºC when you’re at home and about 28º C while you’re away to reduce operating costs and save energy.
Crowding the area that surrounds the unit
Your cooling system needs sufficient space to function properly. Avoid crowding the space around your indoor unit with household items, such as boxes, cans, and other containers. Similarly, you should get rid of leaves, branches, and other yard debris that are blocking the flow of air to and from your condenser. It’s good to have at least one foot of clearance on all sides of your unit.
Neglecting regular system maintenance
DIY routine maintenance is not enough to ensure the smooth operation of your AC throughout the cooling season. You need to call a qualified technician to check your system regularly for potential issues. Early spring would be the perfect time to schedule a professional AC inspection and tune-up as it gives you enough time to work on necessary parts adjustment and replacement. Before the weather gets any warmer, be sure to call for the service of your trusted local HVAC company.
Why you should call for an emergency AC repair
Delaying the needed repairs of your air conditioning system can turn minor issues into a full-blown emergency. To save time and money, call for a professional Saskatoon emergency ac repair.
Do not attempt to perform the necessary system repairs on your own. Leave the job to your trusted local professionals to get fast, efficient results. Call now to book a service!