3 Common Air Conditioning Mistakes Homeowners Should Avoid

When the weather warms up, you rely on your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable at all times. However, if you're like most homeowners, you likely end up making a few mistakes when it comes to maintaining your HVAC system. Here are a few of the most common mistakes people make with their units and how you can avoid them in the future.

Not Changing the Filters

No matter how large or small your air conditioner is, you'll need to change out the filters at regularly. Air conditioner filters keep dirt, allergens, and debris from making it inside your home. As a result, they can get clogged quickly, especially if you're running the system all day, every day. Over time, these clogs put strain on your unit and may lead to more frequent repairs. Change your filters at least once every three months and inspect them every month if you're using your system daily.

Not Scheduling Regular Tune-Ups

It's not uncommon for homeowners to only think of their HVAC system when something's broken. However, when it comes to keeping your AC unit working efficiently, you'll want to schedule annual preventative maintenance appointments with your technician. This helps keep your air conditioner in good shape and reduces the risk of unexpected repairs during the warmest part of the year. Schedule a tune-up for your AC at least once per year.

Ignoring High Energy Bills

During the heat of the summer, you expect your energy bills to increase. However, if they're higher than normal, don't assume that it's due to your AC use. When an air conditioner is failing, it becomes less efficient and has to work harder to maintain the temperature you set on the thermostat. If you notice higher-than-normal energy bills, schedule an inspection with your HVAC technician. They'll be able to make sure your unit is working properly and address any minor repair issues that may impact the unit's efficiency.

Ready to get your air conditioner ready for everything the summer heat can bring? Contact us today and schedule a tune-up with one of our experienced technicians.

Reasons to Hire a Professional Air Conditioning Contractor

Plenty of individuals are interested in being able to handle almost all household repairs themselves these days. However, it is in one’s best interest to hire an air conditioning contractor if they suspect that something is wrong with their air conditioning system. Below are three reasons you should call a professional for your air conditioning needs.

1. People might end up damaging their air conditioning systems if they try to work on them independently.
 
Air conditioning systems are very intricate. The condenser coils of air conditioning systems are fragile enough that they will eventually degrade if they aren't cleaned often enough. These are not the sort of components that people should be handling without the right amount of experience.

2. Many independent individuals who are not professional HVAC specialists will not have the equipment that they need in order to repair everything effectively.

Some of the best HVAC equipment is very expensive. People should not assume that the equipment they have around the house will be sufficient for the task at hand. You won't always be able to find adequate substitutions for the tools that professionals use. The tools will need to be HVAC tools in order to get the job done well, and an air conditioning contractor will already have them.

3. Professionals may be able to detect additional problems at the right time.

There are plenty of home repair enthusiasts who might be able to diagnose specific problems. However, they still might not know air conditioning systems well enough to be able to identify problems that are in the early stages of development. Professional HVAC specialists will do this as a matter of course.

We encourage you to give New England Cooling Towers, Inc. a call with any air conditioning needs.

Air Conditioning Tips: How to Reduce Your Energy Bill This Summer

Saving money on your energy bill this summer doesn't mean your home has to become a sauna. With temperatures quickly rising, you shouldn't have to sacrifice your family's comfort. However, if your monthly budget is already stretched thin and you're dreading the start of the cooling season, take a deep breath and implement the money saving tips provided below.

Keep the Sun Out
Although you may think it sounds too simple to be effective, closing your window blinds or drapes to block out the sun can lower the temperature in your home. Your blinds and drapes can also insulate your windows, which will stop the cool air your air conditioner produces from escaping your home.

Furniture Placement
If your couch is sitting on top of an air conditioning vent, the obstruction is going to cost you some money at the end of the day. A blocked vent is unable to properly circulate air, which leads to ineffective cooling. Before you turn on your system for the summer, go from to room to ensure no furniture is hindering your air conditioner's air flow. If you do find a covered vent, simply rearrange the furniture in the room to optimize your system's cooling ability.

Install a Programmable Thermostat
When you're not at home your thermostat should be set at least 4 to 6 degrees higher than when you are in the house. While you could manually make the adjustment before heading out for the day, it's easy to forget, and while that may not seem like a big deal, continuously doing so will definitely send your energy bill soaring. Installing a programmable thermostat allows you to preset temperatures, which guarantees you won't waste energy or money when your house is empty.

Have Your Air Conditioner Tuned-Up
Properly maintaining your air conditioner is key to you saving money on your energy bill each month. If your system is dirty or malfunctioning, you aren't only throwing money away, but you're also at risk of your A/C breaking down. Unfortunately, major repairs are expensive. However, you can avoid them by hiring a professional to tune-up your system once a year.

Questions? Call New England Cooling Towers today at (978) 649-6001.