One of the few downsides to owning your own property is that you can’t pass maintenance tasks onto your landlord anymore. You’ve been the landlord from the moment you purchased your dream home, and it’s time to learn about AC unit maintenance. 

Neglecting the maintenance of your AC unit can lead to expensive repairs down the road. If you want to avoid the most common AC problems, regular maintenance is essential. Here are 5 mistakes that new homeowners make when looking after their AC unit. 

1. They Don’t Change Their AC Unit Filters

You should change your AC unit filters every month–with no exceptions! These filters keep dirt, dust, allergens, hair, and more from getting inside your HVAC system and damaging it. As you use your system, this debris builds up on the filter and affects its ability to keep filtering. Switching out your filters once a month ensures your unit stays clean and functional. 

2. They Don’t Know the Signs of Common HVAC Issues

Ignoring signs of HVAC issues is bad, but not knowing the signs is worse. When you own an HVAC unit, you need to know what to look out for. Common issues often point to deeper problems within your HVAC system that can escalate into expensive repair jobs. 

You can detect the most common AC problems with the following signs: 

  • Rising energy bills
  • Strange noises that come from your AC units
  • Short cycling (when your system turns on and off frequently)
  • Unpleasant smells when your system is running

3. They Use Their Thermostat Incorrectly

Programmable thermostats are convenient and help you consume less energy throughout the year. New homeowners often don’t know how to get the most out of their programmable thermostats, resulting in their HVAC systems working much harder than they need to!

Get the most out of your thermostat with these tips:

  • Place your thermostat on a central interior wall, away from heating or cooling appliances 
  • Set your thermostat at energy-saving temperatures overnight and when no one is home
  • Use multiple thermostats if you have different temperature zones throughout your home
  • Change your thermostat‘s batteries once a year

4. They Neglect Routine AC Maintenance

Looking after your HVAC unit shouldn’t only happen once it stops working. Routine maintenance and checkups ensure problems are caught early on and your system stays in working condition. Aside from changing out the AC filters as needed, you should also schedule yearly maintenance checkups, or look for signs your system needs maintenance. If your home has an old HVAC system, it might be worth scheduling a maintenance checkup twice a year. 

5. They Don’t Work With a Reputable HVAC Company

Your HVAC system is an essential part of surviving summer in the South. It’s important to invest in AC maintenance by only trusting reputable, reliable HVAC companies. Before hiring anyone, check their credentials and licensing to ensure you only work with the best of the best. 

AC Unit Maintenance You Can Trust 

For nearly 80 years, Sewell Electric Company has been Franklin’s trusted HVAC repair expert. Our family-owned team specializes in AC installation, AC repair, and all your HVAC servicing needs. We believe that proper maintenance is the only way to ensure the longevity of your household heating and cooling system. 

If you’d like to find out more or schedule one of our HVAC services, contact a member of our friendly and professional team at (615) 794-2518 today.