Things to Never Do To Your Air Conditioner

There is a long list of things you should do to keep your air conditioning in working order. But there are also just as many things you should never do to your air conditioner if you want to avoid unnecessary air conditioning repair in Saratoga, CA. Here are a few things you want to avoid:

1. Forgetting the Air Filters

This is by far the most common problem. Homeowners should check their air filters once a month and swap them out if they are clogged. A clogged filter will restrict airflow and cause the system to work harder than ever. Eventually, this will lead to overheating and wear the system out.

2. Running the Air Conditioner on a Low Charge

When the air conditioner doesn’t have enough refrigerant it can cause a number of problems. How do you know if your air conditioner has a low charge? It takes a long time to cool the home, the air coming out of the vents is not cold, utility bills are higher than usual, or ice is forming around the refrigerant lines.

3. Not Running Your Air Conditioner at All

If your air conditioning system is completely off for too long, it might not work at all when you go to switch it on. Not only that, but if you don’t cool the home during the warmer months the heat can negatively impact your home. In the summer you want to run your system at least for a few minutes every couple of days.

4. Cranking the Thermostat All the Way Down

Homeowners think that cranking the thermostat way down will somehow cool their home faster. That is not the case. The air conditioning is sized and designed to cool at a steady rate until the room reaches the desired temperature. A switch like that can cause serious damage to the system and risk the compressor.

5. Leaving the Air Conditioner On in Winter

You also need to give your air conditioning system a break in the winter. As soon as temperatures drop consistently, be sure to shut down the system, clean the outdoor unit, and cover it to prevent debris from getting inside.

6. Power Washing the Outside Unit

Speaking of cleaning the outdoor unit, you should never use a power washer. It can damage the coil and result in the breakdown of the system and costly repairs.

7. Ignoring Warning Lights

Your furnace likely has blinking lights that tell you which systems are working properly. If you notice that the diagnostic display indicates something is wrong, it is time to call a professional technician.

8. DIY Repairs

It takes skill and education to diagnose and repair problems with the air conditioner. This isn’t something you want to tackle on your own. You should always contact a professional contractor.

9. Avoiding Recommended Maintenance

Sometimes homeowners put off or avoid recommended maintenance. This is easy when everything seems to be working fine. But it is important to remember that annual service is preventative maintenance. It will keep the system in working order and reduce the risk of emergency breakdowns.

For more advice about air conditioning repair in Saratoga, CA contact Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning.