Avoid These 5 Common AC Mistakes Made by Houston Homeowners

1. Neglecting Regular Maintenance

The number one error homeowners make is neglecting routine AC maintenance. Your cooling system works hard during Houston’s lengthy summers, enduring intense heat, humidity, and heavy usage daily. Like any appliance, it requires regular upkeep and cleaning to operate efficiently. Small problems left unchecked can quickly snowball into major repairs or complete system failures. That’s why it’s crucial to have a professional technician perform a spring tune-up and inspection before peak cooling season hits. During preventative maintenance visits, they will:

• Check refrigerant levels and recharge if needed
• Inspect ductwork for leaks or damage
• Clean evaporator and condenser coils
• Replace air filters
• Verify correct airflow and ventilation
• Test electrical components and connections
• Lubricate moving parts
• And more

Not only will proactive maintenance extend the lifespan of your AC, but it also improves energy efficiency. Well-serviced systems use less electricity keeping your home cool. Preventative care saves you money over time by avoiding costly emergency repairs too. Don’t wait until you have an AC emergency. Schedule seasonal maintenance in the spring and fall to keep your system running smoothly all year long.

2. Using the Wrong Size Air Filter

One easily avoidable mistake many Houston homeowners make is using the wrong size air filter in their AC unit. Air filters remove dust, allergens, and debris as air circulates through your home. But if you install the incorrect size, it won’t fit properly in your unit. Ill-fitting filters allow unfiltered air to bypass the filter completely, sending contaminants directly into your ductwork and living spaces. This builds up gunk in your AC system, reducing airflow and efficiency. Clogged air filters also make your system work harder, hiking your energy bills. Be sure to use the filter size recommended by your AC manufacturer for optimal performance. Measure the existing filter to double check before purchasing replacements. For central air systems, the filter slot is typically located along the return ducts. Window units have removable filters that slide out from the front or rear. It’s also crucial to change air filters at least every three months. Houston’s air has heavy pollen and pollutants that quickly clog AC filters. Write the install date on new filters with a permanent marker so you know when to swap it out. Following your manufacturer’s filter size and replacement schedule keeps your AC breathing easy all summer. Consult a technician if you can’t locate the existing filter to identify the correct specifications.

3. Setting the Thermostat Too Low

This common summertime mistake feels good at first, but will cost you in the long run. Cranking your thermostat down to arctic temperatures won’t cool your home any faster. In fact, setting it lower than the ideal 78 degrees Fahrenheit wastes energy over time. Here’s why: Your AC cools air at a steady pace known as the tonnage. Whether you set your thermostat at 68 degrees or 78 degrees, your system still produces the same amount of cold air per hour based on its specifications. The only difference is how long your AC has to run to reach the target temperature. The lower the setting, the longer the runtime, which uses more electricity. Additionally, your cooling system is designed for optimal efficiency at a 20-degree differential between indoor and outdoor temperatures. In Houston, indoor comfort is achieved between 75-80 degrees when highs reach 100 degrees outdoors. Overworking your AC to reach extremely low indoor temperatures strains the compressor and internal components. This leads to higher utility bills, premature breakdowns, and costly repairs over time. Set your programmable thermostat at 78 degrees for efficient cooling this summer. Lowering it any further chills your wallet, not your home.

4. Forgetting to Change HVAC Filters

We touched on this earlier, but it bears repeating: Remembering to change your HVAC filters regularly is crucial for efficient AC performance. It’s also one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance tasks among Houston homeowners. Dirty air filters force your cooling system to work much harder to push air through congested filters. All this strain reduces airflow, compromises indoor air quality, and drives up energy consumption. Here are signs it’s time to replace your AC air filter:

• Increased cooling time: It takes longer for your home to reach the set temperature.
• Higher electric bills: Clogged filters make your system run longer to cool your home, hiking energy usage.
• Reduced airflow: You’ll notice weaker airflow from vents as filters become clogged with debris over time.
• Visible dirt: Obviously, if you remove your filter and see a thick layer of dust and pet hair, it’s time for a new one.
• Funky smells: Odors emanating from vents indicate trapped pollutants in a dirty filter.

Houston homeowners should inspect filters monthly and swap them out at least every three months. Mark your calendar with reminders to stay on top of this easy but essential maintenance.

5. DIY AC Repairs

When your AC acts up, it can be tempting to troubleshoot problems yourself via YouTube or Google. However, DIY repairs often do more harm than good. Unless you have professional HVAC training, it’s best to avoid dismantling or tinkering with your cooling system. Even seemingly simple fixes like recharging refrigerant can be dangerous if done incorrectly. And misdiagnosing issues may result in unnecessary part replacements or temporary patches instead of addressing the real problem. Leave AC repairs to qualified Houston AC technicians who have the proper tools, training, and expertise to safely restore your system. When issues arise, they follow a methodical troubleshooting process to properly diagnose the root of the problem. Then they’ll recommend the smartest solution – whether a minor repair, refrigerant top-off, or new system replacement. Although DIY repairs may appear cheaper upfront, they usually create larger, costlier issues down the road. You’re better off booking professional service to correctly fix AC problems the first time.

Keep Your Cooling System Humming This Summer

Don’t let improper maintenance and care send your energy bills soaring this summer. By avoiding these common AC mistakes, Houston homeowners can optimize their system’s performance all season long. Schedule preventative maintenance before peak cooling months hit. Use properly sized, clean filters and change them regularly. Set your thermostat at 78°F – lower won’t cool faster. And leave all repairs to qualified professionals. Follow these best practices and your AC will keep your home refreshingly comfortable, even during Houston’s dog days of summer. With the right maintenance, your system will stay off the fritz and keep your utility costs in check. For professional AC service in Houston, contact the experts at Turbo Home Services by calling (281) 626-5938 or visiting https://turbohomeservices.com. Our certified technicians service all makes and models, providing AC tune-ups, repairs, and installations across Houston. Rely on our 5-star local service for your cooling needs this summer and beyond.