Since air conditioning units have been around for a long time, many people spread the wrong information. To help you out, here are a few dos and don’ts that you should observe for an optimally functioning appliance: 

Don’t cover your cooling unit

Putting shade over your air conditioner is a smart idea to protect it from direct sunlight and keep it cooler, but according to AC repair services, this is a bad move and might do more harm than good.

Placing a shade over your appliance brings about a number of problems that include:

Reduced Airflow: A shade can impede airflow around the unit, lowering its effectiveness and making it work more to chill your home. This can lead to increased energy bills and a shorter lifespan for your air conditioning device. You don’t want this, do you?

Increased Humidity: Putting a shade over your AC can trap moisture around the unit, resulting in increased humidity and potential mold growth. This can result in poor indoor air quality and health problems.

Damage Possibility: Depending on the type of shade you use, it may cause damage to your AC unit. For example, if the shade is not firmly fastened or flaps in the wind, it can collide with the unit and cause damage.

To be safe, avoid shading your air conditioner and instead focus on improving its effectiveness, such as keeping it clean and well-maintained.

You also should ensure that you have sufficient insulation and ventilation in your home.

Do replace the air filters

While you shouldn’t cover your appliance, you should make replacing the dirty air filters a habit. 

This is because doing so comes with plenty of perks. 

One of the perks is that you have improved indoor air quality. Air filters capture dust, grime, pollen, and other pollutants that move in the air in your home. Replacing your old air filter with a new one enhances indoor air quality and lowers the risk of respiratory disorders and allergies.

Your appliance consumes less energy. A dirty air filter can cause your AC unit to work harder, consuming more energy and increasing energy bills. Replacing the filters enhances the unit’s energy efficiency and saves your monthly utility bills.

Your unit has a longer lifespan. When air filters get clogged with dirt and debris, they strain the internal components, leading to failures and constant repairs. By replacing the filters, you extend the life of your air conditioner and avoid costly repairs.

You also improve the cooling performance of your appliance. A filthy air filter can impede airflow in your air conditioner, making it less effective at cooling your home. By replacing the filters, you improve the cooling function of the unit and keep your home comfortable during hot weather.

For the best outcome, replace your AC air filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage and filter type. If you need help replacing the filters on your individual AC unit, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult a professional.

Don’t close the AC vents in an empty room.

Closing the AC vents in an unoccupied room may seem like a great way to save energy and money, but it can harm your AC system and home. 

One of the dangers of doing it is that you have reduced airflow. Closing the vents in a room limits airflow throughout the entire system. This can make the air conditioner work harder to circulate air, resulting in greater energy usage and possibly higher electricity costs.

Closing vents can also lead to increased pressure in the ductwork, leading to leaks and other damage. This can force your air conditioner to work harder, potentially leading to increased breakdowns and pricey repairs.

Closed vents in one room might generate inconsistent cooling throughout your home. The reason for this is that rooms with closed vents may have excessively high temperatures, whereas rooms with open vents may have excessively low temperatures, resulting in discomfort and poor indoor air quality.

When the air conditioner is turned on, it removes moisture. Closing the vents can impair the unit’s ability to remove humidity, resulting in increased moisture in the air and the possibility of mold growth.

To stay safe, keep your home’s vents open to guarantee optimum ventilation and cooling. 

Instead of blocking vents in unoccupied rooms, consider utilizing a programmable thermostat to modify the temperature settings in your home when you’re not there.

Do schedule regular maintenance

At least once a year, preferably before the start of the cooling season, hire a competent HVAC technician to examine, clean, and repair or modify your unit to ensure it is operating at top efficiency. 

Regular maintenance gives you peace of mind that your air conditioner functions smoothly and comfortably throughout the summer.

Regular maintenance also ensures that your AC unit is operating at peak efficiency, which leads to cheaper energy bills and a longer lifespan.

By scheduling regular maintenance, you can spot problems before they become serious, saving money on future repairs.

During the maintenance, you replace the filters, which come in handy in filtering out pollutants and allergens. This results in a well-maintained AC unit that enhances the air quality in your home.

A well-maintained AC unit provides more consistent and comfortable cooling, ensuring your home remains comfortable throughout summer.

Most AC manufacturers require that you frequently maintain your appliance to keep the guarantee valid. This means that skipping maintenance could void your guarantee and result in pricey repairs.

For the best outcome, don’t hire just any contractor. Instead, take your time and hire an experienced professional that knows what they are doing. 

As a rule of thumb, always interview the contractors before hiring them. 

Many people make the mistake of hiring the first professional they come across on the internet, but don’t do this. 

The right way to go about it is to interview five or more air conditioner repair services Stony Brook and only hire the most experienced and who provide you with the best value for money.