How well you treat your AC unit helps determine how long and how well it will last. Maintenance and care for your AC system are important, as they help keep you comfortable in your home throughout the long, hot summers in Roseville. While the average air conditioner is designed to last between 10 and 15 years, certain mistakes in how you use and maintain the system can significantly reduce its lifespan. So, what are these common mistakes? In this blog, we will discuss seven common mistakes that can shorten the life of your air conditioner and how to avoid them. With a little knowledge and understanding, you can easily protect your investment and keep your home cool for many summers to come.
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7 Common AC Mistakes You Should Avoid
These common mistakes can put unnecessary strain on your air conditioner, increase repair costs, and shorten its overall lifespan.
1. Ignoring Your Air Filter
This is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make. The air filter in your AC helps trap pet dander, dust, pollen, and other particles before they enter the system. Over time, the filter can become clogged, restricting airflow and forcing your AC to work harder to cool your home. According to the Department of Energy, replacing a dirty filter can reduce your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%. This means lower energy bills and better cooling. Experts advise changing the AC filter every two to three months, but you may need to replace it more often if you have pets or live in a dusty or dry area. Check your filters every once in a while and be sure to replace them, as this can help you avoid an expensive air conditioner repair in Roseville when you least expect it.
2. Skipping Annual Professional Maintenance
Many homeowners think that if their AC is working, it does not need to be checked. This is a dangerous assumption. Your air conditioner is a complex machine with many moving parts. Refrigerant levels can drop. Electrical connections can loosen. Coils can get dirty. All these issues can develop slowly over time without any obvious signs. Over time, the various moving parts of the AC can get damaged. Minor issues can sometimes go unnoticed and develop into major problems that require expensive repairs or even replacement. For instance, compressor repairs can be costly. But annual tune-ups can help identify problems early and reduce the risk of major repairs. In a place like Roseville, where the summer temperatures can easily reach 100 degrees and beyond, your AC will have to work harder. Hence, scheduling annual maintenance before summer can help prepare your system for the increased cooling demands of the season.
3. Setting the Thermostat Too Low
Your AC unit is designed to cool your home by 15 to 20 degrees below the outside temperature. Setting the thermostat much lower will not cool your home faster and may cause the system to run for longer periods. Long periods of operation can put additional strain on your AC, as components such as the compressor and blower have to work for longer periods. Over time, this added wear and tear can shorten the lifespan of your system. Another major problem due to this is that the AC will not be able to remove humidity efficiently. This will leave you feeling cold and clammy instead of cool and fresh. To enhance the cooling, you can also use ceiling fans to help keep your home cool without overburdening the AC.
4. Blocking Vents and Restricting Airflow
The AC system works by moving air throughout your home. But if this process is restricted, the air is blocked and has nowhere to go. This can increase pressure within the system and force the blower motor to work harder. Over time, the added strain can cause the motor to wear out or fail prematurely. Closing vents is a common mistake. Several people believe it saves energy by cooling fewer rooms. But closing too many vents can disrupt airflow and increase pressure within the ductwork, and this can force your AC system to work more than usual. You should make sure all the registers and vents are clear of obstructions. Likewise, keep return air grilles open and unobstructed. In rooms you don’t use often, adjust the dampers in your ductwork instead of closing the vents completely.
5. Not Paying Attention to the Outdoor Unit
The air conditioning system has two parts: the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. Several homeowners often ignore the outdoor unit altogether. And over time, debris, dried leaves, and dust can accumulate around the outdoor unit, causing the system to overheat and fail. To keep the outdoor unit clear, regularly trim nearby bushes, remove leaves and debris, and gently rinse the condenser coils when needed. Also, avoid covering or obstructing the unit while it is running. If you are unable to perform the above steps, you can also hire professionals to do it for you.
6. Ignoring Warning Signs
There are certain signs to watch out for before your AC unit breaks down completely, such as:
- Strange noises: refrigerant leak or failing motor.
- Weak airflow: clogged filter or duct issue.
- Water collected near the unit: clogged condensate drain line.
When ignored, these minor problems can develop into major issues. Hence, fix the issues early in order to avoid expensive replacements in the future. If you are unable to identify the problem yourself, call an AC repair Roseville company for help.
7. Choosing the Wrong Size Unit
When replacing an air conditioner, many homeowners end up choosing a unit that is either too large or too small. They often believe that a bigger unit will provide better cooling. But this is not how air conditioners usually work. While an oversized AC unit cools your home quickly, it cycles on and off frequently and shuts off before it can remove humidity from the air, thus leaving your home cold and damp. This short cycling puts extra strain on your compressor and other parts. Likewise, an undersized unit may run constantly as it struggles to cool your home, causing increased wear and a greater risk of premature system failure. Also, your energy bills will increase as the system never gets a break. An HVAC professional can determine the appropriate size of your AC unit by considering factors such as your home’s square footage, number of windows, insulation quality, and local climate. When considering a new system, do not make your decision based on price alone. Instead, opt for professional AC installation in Roseville to ensure your new system is properly sized for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should an air conditioner last?
Most air conditioners are meant to last between 10 and 15 years, but this also depends on how well you take care of your system. Simple practices such as cleaning the filters, regular maintenance, and immediate repairs help your AC function well for a longer time. But if maintenance is neglected or problems are left unaddressed, you may need to replace your AC much sooner than expected.
2. Why is my AC running but not cooling my home?
Several issues can cause your AC to run without cooling your home properly, and dirty filters are one of them, as they block the airflow. It is recommended to check the filter and replace it if it looks clogged. A low refrigerant level due to a leak is another reason, as your system is unable to absorb heat from your home. A frozen evaporator coil also results in improper cooling. Electrical problems, such as a failed capacitor or faulty thermostat, can also affect how well your AC cools your home. If you’re not sure what’s causing the problem, have a professional take a look. Getting it checked early can save you from a much more expensive repair later.
3. Is annual AC maintenance really necessary?
Yes, annual maintenance is important for keeping your air conditioner running efficiently. An HVAC professional understands how the different components of your AC system work together and knows what to look for during an inspection. A detailed maintenance check may include checking refrigerant levels, cleaning the coils, inspecting electrical connections, and lubricating moving parts when needed.
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Final Thoughts
In a place like Roseville, a reliable air conditioner is a necessity. It works hard to keep you comfortable in your home. And so it is important to make sure it is well taken care of. We have covered the seven mistakes most homeowners make with their AC unit. The best part is that with a little bit of knowledge and understanding, each of these mistakes can be easily avoided. Keep your vents open, maintain a clean outdoor unit, and choose an AC system that is properly sized for your home. Pay attention to warning signs and address problems early to help extend the lifespan of your AC. Proper care can give you peace of mind and help you avoid costly repairs.
Take Action to Protect Your AC With Kleen Air Inc.
If you are in Roseville or the surrounding area and need help with your air conditioner, we are here for you. As a licensed company (CSLB #481974), Kleen Air Inc. has been serving customers since 1974 and is known for providing reliable AC service in Roseville. Whether you need an air conditioner repair in Roseville or AC installation in Roseville, our in-house crews have the experience and expertise to get the job done right. Call us today at (916)-922-3995 or visit gotkleenair.com to schedule your maintenance, repair, or installation. Your comfort is our priority. Let us help you keep your cool.
