9 Air Conditioning Mistakes to Avoid this Summer
Using your air conditioner correctly will save you more than you think. We've outlined the most common mistakes users make so you can avoid them.
If you're the type of person who neglects your air conditioner, you're likely to have more problems than other users who take care of their unit. What are the possible unintended consequences of this? Starting from high electricity bills, reduced air conditioner efficiency and ending up with more frequent repairs. Maybe you've already started to think about it? If so, continue reading to learn what mistakes most air conditioner owners make most often and how to avoid them. Here, we'll primarily talk about air conditioner use in the summer.
1.Correct sizing
One of the most common mistakes that people make is right when they purchase the air conditioning unit. If the air conditioner is not sized for the space in which it will be used, it will not be as efficient as possible. If its capacity is smaller than it needs to be, it will consume more energy to cool the room. This will cause the appliance to wear out more quickly. If the air conditioner is designed for a larger space, it will frequently turn on and off, and this will contribute to its wear and tear.
The power of an air conditioner is measured in BTU, which comes from British Thermal Units. It is best to trust professionals to make sure you choose the right unit with the right wattage. They will ask you additional questions about the size, insulation, room layout and guide you to the model that is right for your needs.
2.Coil and fin cleaning
Dust and dirt build up on the fins and coils during air conditioner operation. If you don't clean them regularly, it will hinder the processes taking place in the unit and reduce its efficiency. If you notice that your electricity bills are higher than usual - dirty coils and fins could be the cause. To avoid this problem, clean your air conditioner regularly, especially before active seasons and after storms and high winds.
3.Cleaning the filters
Air conditioner filters are responsible for purifying the air of dust, bacteria, and other substances that cause allergies and make breathing difficult. If they are heavily contaminated, the air will have difficulty passing through them, and the unit will not work efficiently. Instead of the air being cleaned, it will be even dustier, and your electricity bills will go up by about 15%. So be sure to change the filters or clean them regularly.
4.Using the thermostat
Many consumers have an air conditioner with a programmable thermostat but don't use it. The thermostat allows you to control the temperature as efficiently as possible and save on energy costs. Set desired temperatures for different times of the day. The smart thermostat can be controlled remotely with just a few simple settings via an app installed on your phone.
5.Check drain pipes
The air conditioner has drain pipes in which condensation collects. These drain the water out of the home. If you don't clean the drainage pipes regularly, they can become clogged and leak from the body of the air conditioner. Specialized maintenance includes checking these pipes, so you have another good reason to include it in your schedule.
6.Incorrect degree setting
Some users don't pay attention to degrees. If you lower the thermostat values, the room won't cool any faster. Air conditioners run at the same output no matter if they need to reduce the temperature by 1 or 10 degrees. This will prolong their operation, so set the desired temperature. For summer, it is recommended that the thermostat value is no lower than about 22 degrees.
When you're not indoors or the weather outside isn't as warm, switch to an economy mode or increase the degrees. This will save significantly on your electricity bills.
7.Replacing the air conditioner
We know that replacing your air conditioner is a significant investment, but if you put it off for too long, you're unlikely to save. An old and inefficient air conditioner will use more energy than a new one and is unlikely to provide the comfort you need. Modern models are more economical and environmentally friendly and have many new features that will improve the conditions in which you live.
8.Refrigerant check
Air conditioning systems use a refrigerant that absorbs heat from the room in which it is placed and disperses it outside. The system may have cracks through which the refrigerant leaks. This measurement is carried out using a special instrument. For this purpose, an inspection must be made, the cracks filled, if any, and the refrigerant topped up if necessary. Contact an experienced technician to do the required inspection to be sure your system is in working order.
9.Don't forget the windows!
Especially during the summer months, a common mistake air conditioner owners make is to leave windows and doors open. This way, heat from outside enters the room and the air conditioner is running at full speed. To make your home cooler and reduce energy consumption, lower the curtains and blinds during the hottest part of the day. Ventilate during the late or early hours and be sure to close the windows afterwards.
Even if you have the most modern and efficient air conditioner model on the market, if you don't manage it wisely, you won't be able to enjoy all of its benefits. In fact, this is not a difficult task at all, but rather a matter of a good habit that every user should have.
If it's time to replace your air conditioner with a new one, don't delay. On Midea.bg you can find quality and efficient air conditioning systems at a good price. Contact our team who is on your disposal to answer all the questions you have.