Did you know the average lifespan of an air conditioner can be up to 15 to 20 years? If you want to ensure that your air conditioner is working efficiently to protect you against Florida's heat and will last you for at least a decade, it is crucial to maintain it.

But how can you extend your AC unit's life? You can do so by avoiding some common AC maintenance mistakes. Let us take a look at five of these common issues and how to avoid them.

1. AC Maintenance Mistakes: Ignoring Strange Noises

If you start to hear strange noises from your AC unit, you do not want to ignore them. You will be able to recognize the normal sounds your AC unit makes so if you hear rattling that you may not have heard before or squeaking sounds, you need to reach out to a professional.

Many times, the AC unit can have a part that is loose or not working as it needs to, which causes these noises. The longer you leave it, the worse the issue will become.

2. Not Checking Filters

Regular AC maintenance includes checking its filters. As your air conditioner brings air into the unit, it collects debris, dust, and allergens in its filters. The more the unit runs, the more contaminants the filters will collect. If you do not regularly change the filters, you are not only allowing air not filtered properly into your home, but you are also forcing the AC unit to work harder.

That puts a strain on the unit and can hike up your energy bill. To save yourself this trouble, change the filters every three months or so.

3. Forgetting the Vents

The unit's filters are important, but so are the vents. Debris and even objects can get lodged in them. Dust can also accumulate, so the air that passes from the unit into your home can bring in that dust and cause health issues.

Not clearing the vents in a regular manner will put a strain on the unit as a whole.

4. Overworking the Unit

Most people do not realize that turning the AC unit on and off repeatedly can put a lot of pressure on the AC compressor and can shorten its lifespan. You also do not want to drastically change temperature levels often. This makes the unit have to work harder than it needs to so it can keep up with the thermostat temperature.

Set a temperature that can remain the same or almost the same throughout the day.

5. Failing to Schedule Routine Checks

All items in your home require routine maintenance and your AC unit is no different. You want to hire professionals to come and check the unit as well as perform a routine cleaning. If there are any issues, an expert will be able to catch them and ensure they do not get worse.

To ensure the unit works at its best, you need to have an AC maintenance service over at least twice a year.

Turn To the Experts

If you want to avoid AC maintenance mistakes and want to have experts in the Southwest Florida area come and inspect your unit, we can help at Powerhouse Home Services.

Book a service call right now!