Air conditioning is a critical component of a home’s HVAC system, as it keeps residents cool and comfortable during hot and humid days. However, there are many AC dangers you can cause by accident that are entirely avoidable if you know what not to do.
To lower the chances of having to call for air conditioning repair in Mesa, AZ, here are eight things you should never do to your AC system.
Picking the Wrong AC Size
One AC danger you can create before installing is selecting the wrong size for your home. An air conditioner that’s too small for your home won’t be able to cool it effectively and will wear out sooner, whereas if it’s too big, it could create unusual temperature swings.
To ensure that you’re installing the best air conditioning system for your home, it’s important to do a Manual J heat load calculation. This calculation is necessary because it helps you choose a properly-sized AC. Save yourself the trouble by working with a trusted AC specialist; only an expert can help you pick out the perfect AC size.
Neglecting to Change or Clean the Air Filter
Air filters play an essential role in AC units, as they keep out dust and other airborne particles. However, these filters can become clogged over time, and if you don’t clean or replace them, they can cause your air conditioner to freeze while increasing energy costs.
Diagnosing Problems Without a Professional
Diagnosing a problem by yourself is one thing you should never do to your AC system. Air conditioning maintenance and repair requires special education and experience that only professionals are capable of performing, and relying on your own insufficient knowledge can make matters worse.
Ignoring Warning Signs
Even if you don’t have the experience to fix an AC by yourself, checking the unit regularly and listening for strange noises can help you know when it’s time to call for repairs. Don’t ignore these warning signs, as they can lead to potential AC dangers if they aren’t addressed in a timely manner.
Forgetting Annual Maintenance
It’s important to schedule regular AC maintenance appointments. There are various benefits to doing so, such as increasing the system’s longevity, catching problems before they develop into more costly repairs, and keeping the system well lubricated and maintained, so it operates efficiently and saves energy. Neglecting to have routine maintenance means you’ll miss out on those benefits!
Using Vents and Doors for Temperature Control
Never use your doors and vents for room to room temperature control. Because AC size is based on how much square footing it can handle, using doors and vents can create hot and cold spots and strain the system.
Repeated Thermostat Adjustments
Something you should never do to your AC system is adjust the thermostat constantly. Doing so will continually increase your air conditioning’s workload, which can be overbearing on its components and cause them to wear out sooner.
Power Washing Your Air Conditioner
While cleaning your AC unit can help maintain its appearance and functionality, it can also cause more harm than good if done improperly. For example, power washing your air conditioner might seem efficient and easy, but it’s something you should never do to your AC system; this can damage many components of the unit, such as its coil, and cause it to stop working altogether.
With these tips in mind, you can take good care of your AC system through the hot days and nights. But if you find yourself needing any air conditioning service in Mesa, AZ, reach out to Plumbing & A/C Medic at your convenience!
