5 AC Mistakes Every Busy Parent Makes (and How to Fix Them)
Air conditioning systems are perhaps considered the heart of the home. It’s an appliance that’s relied on heavily by homeowners up and down the country, so when it underperforms or starts to present problems, it can be a hassle that no busy parent wants to face.
A proactive approach, therefore, is always better than waiting for something to go wrong. With that being said, if you want to keep on top of your AC’s health, then here are five mistakes every busy parent makes and how you can fix them before they cost you a fortune.
The thermostat habits that waste energy
Thermostat habits that waste energy are often not something you’d think about, but have become a daily habit that has made your household bills expensive to maintain financially. Let’s take a look at some of the thermostat habits that are wasting energy.
- Constantly adjusting the thermostat
Frequently changing the set temperature that your thermostat is currently on will cause your system to start and stop more often. That’s an inefficient way of running your AC and, therefore, should be avoided to help save on energy.
- Not using a programmable thermostat
If you forget to manually set back the temperature when you’re away, especially for extended periods of time, it means your heating or cooling system will continue to run at a high level as a result.
That’s why having a programmable thermostat can help so that you can control your heating or cooling system from anywhere and at any time.
- Leaving the system on while away
As mentioned above, you must be conserving your energy usage, particularly when you’re away from the property.
With that being said, even if you’re out for the day or it’s a few days away from home, turn off your AC so that it’s not wasting money and energy when you’re not even in the property to enjoy it.
- Running heating in unused rooms
You’re not likely to be using all of the rooms in your home, all at once. That’s why it’s good to look at what rooms are likely left empty throughout the day and only heat certain rooms to lower your energy usage.
- Blocking your radiators
If you’re blocking your radiators or the AC appliance itself, then that could affect its ability to heat or cool the rooms it’s in. Try to avoid placing any furniture that might limit its efficiency.
Ignoring weird noises or smells? Here’s why that’s risky
There’s a real risk that comes from ignoring weird noises or smells from your AC. If you’ve spotted any of these problems with your AC recently, it’s best to get an AC repair service out quickly to address the problem. Here are some of the risks that come from not addressing problems quickly.
Fire hazard
A burning smell or singed components can often mean there’s an electrical problem. These types of problems pose a significant fire risk, so it’s always best to seek help before continuing use of the appliance.
Electrical problems
A plastic or fishy smell can often be indicative of serious electrical issues. From faulty wiring to a damaged capacitor. This can lead to further electrical problems and fires that could cost thousands in damage and repair work.
System damage and inefficiency
Noises like screeching or squealing can often indicate a failing component. Ignoring this could lead to the system failing as a whole. A system that’s not running efficiently will also cost you more over time.
Natural gas leak
A rotten egg or sulfur-like smell could mean a natural gas leak, which is definitely an emergency that requires immediate attention as soon as it’s spotted. You’ll also want to switch off all your supplies until you get it seen to.
Gas leaks can be deadly, so as soon as you’re suspicious of one, it’s best to seek emergency help asap.
Reduced lifespan
By addressing small issues early on, you help to extend the life of your system. Ignoring it will lead to premature failures and more costs in having to replace the system in its entirety. An annoyance when you could have ultimately
Quick cleaning routines that actually make a difference
There are some quick cleaning routines that are worth embracing that will make a big difference to your AC’s health and lifespan in general. These include the following:
Replace or clean filters
Replacing or cleaning air filters is perhaps the most important yet easiest task that you can do. By replacing or cleaning filters, you’ll help improve the AC’s performance in general.
The replacement or cleaning of filters will be easy enough to do, but if you’re having trouble, consult your manufacturer’s guidebook for more details on how to do it properly.
Check the condensate drain
It’s good to check the condensate drain for any problems and to ensure it’s not clogged, which can ultimately lead to leaks. Adding a small amount of bleach to the drain can help to prevent algae buildup, too.
Get professional help for emergencies or the first sign of trouble
When you spot a potential issue with your AC or you’re in need of help in an emergency, it’s good to have a repair service ready and available at the ready.
Thankfully, there are a lot of AC repair services that offer 24/7 support, but it’s always best to try and get help as soon as the fault arises. Hopefully this won’t be in the middle of the night or at the weekends, where emergency fees are likely to be added on.
Your AC is a crucial part of the home, and so regular maintenance is going to help keep it in good condition all year round. With that being said, make sure you’re keeping on top of any potential repair work and doing the simple fixes and maintenance checks that will extend the life of the appliance.
The more proactive you can be with your AC appliance, the longer it will last without any faults coming to it.
