3 Things You Should Never Do To Your AC

When the summer heat becomes unbearable, an air conditioner can be your lifeline. But when you do something you shouldn't do, your AC can lose its effectiveness and efficiency. It might also become unsafe for you. Consequently, you may have to contend with high energy bills, constant repairs, and a reduced equipment lifespan. 

If you want your air conditioner to run reliably at maximum efficiency, here are three things you should avoid.

Trying To Patch Refrigerant Leaks

Does your AC produce weird, bubbling sounds? Your unit might have a refrigerant leak. Your system can't work efficiently with lower refrigerant levels, so you need an AC technician to recharge it.

But never attempt to patch refrigerant leaks, even if you are a DIY enthusiast. If you do, you'll likely only aggravate the problem.  

Furthermore, refrigerant is a dangerous fluid that can harm you if you inhale it. This fluid can also adversely affect your skin and eyes. So, leave it to professionals with the proper safety gear and equipment to identify the leak points and patch the leaks.  

Failing To Use Your AC

If you don't use your air conditioner for a long time, your system might not work properly when you finally turn it back on. It might not even work at all. Worse still, mold and rust can become a problem inside your AC and cause it to malfunction.

Also, note that you might expose your home to serious hazards if you don't use your AC. Without a functional air conditioning unit, the resulting extreme summer temperatures can ruin your wooden structures like floors, cabinets, and doors.

You can also enlist a technician to install a timer on your AC if your unit doesn't have one. This function cools your house during the daytime and turns it off at night to save energy. 

Making Frequent Thermostat Adjustments

If you repeatedly fiddle with your thermostat to maintain comfortable temperatures, you might inadvertently increase your system's workload. This issue puts your AC at a higher risk of failure and pricey repairs. Instead, seal all air leaks to ensure conditioned air doesn't escape and bump up your insulation to conserve power. 

You can also invest in a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the indoor temperature when you're not around. This strategy saves you a ton of money in energy costs. Ask your local HVAC services provider for help.

In addition to the above tips, remember to have your AC regularly maintained by a professional to ensure it runs efficiently for longer. If you have already committed any of the above mistakes and damaged your AC, reach out to your HVAC technicians for repair.