Are You Putting More Strain on Your Air Conditioner?

April 25, 2019
Hand holding an AC remote

Air conditioners serve as a savior when temperatures start rising. The summer heat can sometimes become unbearable, so ACs do a great job in keeping your house cool, as well as make you and everyone comfortable indoors. They also bring the benefit of creating a healthier environment by improving indoor air quality and filtering out dust, pollen, and other allergens.

There is, however, one issue related to it is usage. While there is nothing wrong with relying on your air conditioner to keep you cool during the summer, you cannot expect it run or operate forever. Doing so can add strain and extra pressure on the system, which can then lower its efficiency and make it more prone to repairs and premature failure.

AC repair expects in Orem, Utah note that running your AC longer or all day long is not the only thing that can add strain on the system. Other factors like care, maintenance, and home insulation can influence the functionality and efficiency of your cooling system. If you are doing the following things, you may be killing your AC or the reason it breaks down sooner than later:

You let the filters be dirty.

With dirty or clogged filters, the cooling system will have to use more power and energy to maintain indoor comfort. This is because it restricts the airflow, which then causes the compressor to work harder, as well as run hotter. Failing to check, clean, and change the filters regularly means adding more strain to the unit and decreasing its lifespan.

You leave your AC on while you’re away.

Some believe that leaving your AC on while you’re away will help you save money because you won’t have to kick start it again when you turn it on. This is not true, as doing so leads to higher energy use and electricity bills. It is more practical to buy a programmable thermostat to set an automated cooling schedule. A ceiling fan can also help, especially in moving the air across the room.

You postpone maintenance and repairs.

It is easy to neglect the unit when it seems to be doing a good job of cooling your home. Experts, however, recommend having the system inspected at least once or twice a year. This is to stay ahead of the problems that can affect the system’s efficiency and make sure that all components are in good working order. The last you want is for it to break down during the summer.

Your home has poor/improper insulation.

Without proper and enough insulation, the temperature indoors is unlikely to be constant. Air leakage, furthermore, makes it hard for both cooling and heating systems to work efficiency because of the heat gain and loss. Adding insulation is beneficial, as well as conducting an energy unit to detect air leaks and find areas where insulation can be improved.

You don’t find ways to lower heat in your home.

Indoor unit airconditioner in home interior

Heat and sunlight are your cooling system’s worst enemies. This is why it is important to install blinds and curtains to block the UV rays and shield your home from the heat, especially at the hottest times of the day. You can also decrease the internal load that your AC has to deal with by performing heat-generating tasks — showering, laundry, baking — at the coolest times of the day.

Your AC is your best friend when the heat becomes unbearable. Be sure to care for it and hire a pro for repairs and maintenance, especially when you notice something wrong with your unit.

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