You Could Be Ruining Your Air Conditioner. Avoid These 5 Mistakes

You Could Be Ruining Your Air Conditioner. Avoid These 5 Mistakes

As home appliances age they can become temperamental, and air conditioners are no exception. In order to help prevent an A/C breakdown and keep your cool air flowing in the hot climate here in Naples and throughout Southwest Florida, your cooling system needs to be handled with care. Consider these five mistakes to avoid, which we explain here based on HVAC experts at Reader’s Digest.

Mistake #1. Ignoring the Air Filter

If you don’t replace the air filter in your air conditioner on a regular basis, dust and allergens can build up and make your system work harder—and burn out faster. Most air filters need to be replaced every one to three months. If you have smokers or pets in your household, you may need to replace the filter more often—follow the specific instructions of the manufacturer of your system. Timely filter replacement can help your A/C to last longer and blow more forceful, cooler air.

Mistake #2. Situating Heat-Emitting Items Near Your Thermostat

Small household appliances like TVs, lamps, and other such items, can give off heat. When these devices are placed too closely to your thermostat, they may raise its temperature and cause your A/C to work harder than it has to—which can result in a heftier energy bill. So, be sure not to place such items too closely to your home’s thermostat.

Mistake #3. Neglecting the Air Ducts

Replacing your air conditioner’s filter isn’t the only routine maintenance that it needs. Just as the air filter can collect dust and allergens, so can the ductwork of your system. This can hinder air flow. So be sure to have the ducts cleaned every year by an HVAC professional. This expert will use special equipment and disinfectants to perform a deep clean.

Also, if you notice that the surfaces of your duct vents collect dust between yearly cleanings, you can simply wipe them down with a damp cloth. Doing so can help prevent the spread of dust throughout your system and home—not to mention, give the vents a cleaner appearance.

Mistake #4. Crowding Your A/C Unit

We all love to beautify our Naples homes and landscapes, so naturally you might be interested in using flowers and greenery to hide your air conditioner unit from view. Be mindful, though, that A/Cs need space to ventilate in order perform their best. So, make sure that you keep plants a minimum of 12 inches from your unit in order to give it ample space to ventilate and to avoid clogging, both of which can strain your system.

Mistake #5. Overburdening Your A/C

If the temperature outside is 95 degrees and you program your A/C for 69 degrees, the system isn’t likely to reach the desired temperature and turn off. If it does, it may turn off only briefly. This can overwork your unit and contribute to its wear and tear—and your energy costs. It’s wise to set your thermostat for no more than 20 degrees below the temperature outside.

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