Air Conditioning Tips Not to Miss Out! 

 

Despite their simple function, air conditioners are somewhat complex machines. They rely on several components to work. Your small mistakes can have substantial negative impacts on the whole AC unit and so on your general home comfort. This post covers the four most common AC mistakes you should avoid and how to maintain your air conditioner.

The 4 Common Mistakes

1. Improper size of your AC unit

 Bigger is not better, but size matters! An oversized cooling unit cycles on and off too many times. This results in inefficient power usage and uncomfortable temperature changes. An undersized cooling unit is as problematic. The compressor will have to work harder and longer with a lower cooling capacity. Your utility bill will peak, and your AC will wear out. This could be your expensive ticket for an AC repair down the road. Repairing the unit will not solve the issue if you have the wrong size.

Ensure your HVAC contractor does a complete load calculation. They should work out how much cooling capacity your home needs. They will consider square footage, layout, insulation, and load-generating appliances. Following that, they will recommend the best size for your cooling needs.

2. Incorrect positioning

2.1 Avoid placement in direct sunlight 

 The location of your cooling unit has a massive impact on its energy efficiency. It may seem OK to put your bulky HVAC system in an unused corner on the side of the house. But, placement in direct sunlight can cause the machine to work harder. Instead, place the air conditioner in a shady spot. This way, it will use less power to cool your home.

2.2 Prevent shrubs from climbing around the compressor

 Shrubs should not block your compressor. Leaving the outdoor unit free to breathe will improve ventilation and improve efficiency.

2.3 Incorrect thermostat settings

2.3.1 Position of the thermostat

 Position the thermostat far from lamps and appliances that generate heat. If the thermostat gets too hot, it will be hard to control the ambient temperature.

2.3.2 Don’t turn the thermostat way too down

 At times you want the air to get cooler right away. Don’t turn the thermostat way down to make the AC unit work faster to cool down the temperature. Your cooling system will skip right past the ambient temperature. It will have to work harder while consuming more energy in the process. In the end, you will feel cold and uncomfortable.

 You should set the thermostat to your comfortable temperature. For most people, that spot is between 24 and 25 degrees Celcius. Note that every degree makes a difference of about 7 percent in your unit’s power consumption. So, even a tiny change can make an enormous difference in your monthly utility bills.

3. Not using ceiling fans

 Do not take the air conditioning unit as a substitute for a fan. It would help if you had a ceiling fan running simultaneously. The ceiling fan allows the AC unit to vent the air, which provides you with an effect of a cool breeze. You can choose to increase the temperature by 1 degree Celcius and keep the fan running. In this way, you save on your utility bills and reduce your AC unit’s wear and tear.

 4. Not changing the air filter

 The air filter removes dust from the air before blowing cool air into your home. Every month the air filter becomes clogged with dirt and needs cleaning. The dirty air filter reduces the aircon efficiency, leading to issues like freezing.

The 4 Preventive Measures

1. Routine Maintenance

 A little prevention now can save you a lot on AC repairs later. You can request your HVAC professional to calibrate your unit’s energy efficiency. They can also check the refrigerant gauge to identify any emerging issues.

2. Do not open windows at the same time

 Opening your windows at night is good practice to let in some fresh air. This way, the air quality is not too dried. But don’t do this when the AC is working. The system will find it hard to keep up with the ambient temperature.

3. Fix emerging issues

 On a busy day, keeping the AC turned on despite a rattling sound and carrying out your daily activities is easy. This is where it all goes wrong! The rattling sound informs you of upcoming issues and requires immediate attention! Immediately switch the AC off if you can tolerate some time without the AC. You should call an HVAC professional at the earliest. 

 4. Window seals

 Ensure that your window seals are tight. Loose seals will make poor insulation. Your house will be absorbing heat from the outside. The cool air inside your home will also escape the poor insulation. So, the aircon will have to run harder and harder until a breakdown.

 

Hope the above help you maintain your cooling system. Remember to share your views in the comments below.