If you live in an area that frequently experiences hot and humid weather, you probably rely on your air conditioning unit to give you comfort as you stay indoors. AC units are a godsend, yet they’re not meant to last forever. This is why you need to know how to maintain it properly so that it won’t prematurely stop working. When it comes to maintenance, there are common mistakes you need to avoid, and one of the most common ones is failing to schedule regular maintenance.

In this article, we will share four common mistakes that you must avoid when it comes to AC maintenance:

• Not Having Groundcover

Indeed, vegetation and tall grass around your AC unit can block airflow and reduce the device’s functionality and efficiency, which is why most homeowners leave the ground bare. However, doing this is not the best option because when it rains, the dirt from the ground can turn to mud, which can splash on the unit and affect the condenser coil’s fins. 

Instead of leaving the ground bare, have a groundcover that’s under six inches tall. Another solution is to add mulch like gravel or bark chips to avoid mud getting on your unit. 

• Covering The Unit At All Times

The only time the AC unit must be covered with plywood is during the winter or when the unit is switched off. If you plan to cover your unit because you want to protect it from debris and other elements, you might want to think otherwise. This will only compromise its functionality and performance in the long run. Keep in mind that the AC unit is designed to pull air in through its sides and blow it out the top. When you cover the unit, you prevent it from doing this. 

• Incorrect Amount of Refrigerant

The R-22s are older units, and you will have a challenging time finding a refrigerant refill for this. You might think that a newer coolant will do the trick, but this will only cause a problem inside the system. Another common mistake is topping off the coolant and overcharging the system. When there’s too much coolant, it can compromise the compressor. You can easily avoid this by hiring reliable AC technicians to remedy the issue. 

• Pressure Washing The Condenser Coils

Washing the condenser coil at least every year is acceptable, but keep in mind that the fins are fragile, which is why you shouldn’t pressure wash it. If you plan to do the condenser coil cleaning on your own, remember to be gentle with it and make sure you switch off the unit at the breaker and the panel’s main disconnect before you remove the cleaner or do any cleaning. 

Taking care of your AC unit is essential, especially if you want to last longer and do its job. However, if you don’t have time to do the maintenance on your own, you should hire a professional to do regular inspections to help ensure your AC unit is in good condition. Surely, you don’t want your unit to break down in the middle of a hot summer day, right? 

Conclusion

At this point, you now know the four common mistakes that owners can make when it comes to maintaining their AC units. The key to ensuring your device is in good condition is to have a reliable AC technician to inspect and repair it. Your system, as much as possible, should not be a project of DIY because it has many fragile parts. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a repair or replacement, leave the maintenance to the experts so that you also get to avoid making mistakes!

Get quality air conditioning service here at Emergency Plumbing Heating Company. We are a professional and fast company that provides 24/7 AC and plumbing services. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!