Resolve to Avoid Mistakes with Your Air Conditioning System in 2021

More than ever before, the majority of people we talk to cannot wait for New Year 2021. It stands to reason, since 2020 has presented so many challenges for so many people.

With the New Year comes the tradition of proclaiming resolutions to improve ourselves, our lives, and/or the lives of others, for another trip around the sun.

As air conditioning specialists in the Tampa Bay area, we want to help homeowners with an HVAC resolution to avoid costly mistakes with your air conditioning systems for maximum efficiency and comfort year-round.

Maintenance Matters Most

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, air conditioning system maintenance is the key to keeping your home’s air system functioning efficiently and effectively, so you’ll want to continue this practice in 2021, and beyond.

Homeowners who do not schedule regular maintenance for their systems are asking for trouble. One lady we know rented her home in Kentucky, while she was living in Florida. When she returned, to her old Kentucky home, she scheduled maintenance for her HVAC system, and was told it had been irreparably damaged by the renters and was permanently shut down by the ac technician she hired. The woman ended up needing the installation of a whole new air conditioning system, thanks to the irresponsible actions of her renter.

Air conditioning is a vital necessity in Florida’s hot climate, and it is important to have a professional, experienced air conditioning technician complete a thorough examination of the air handler, the compressor, the refrigerant and the many working parts that keep your home and your family comfortable.

Whether your system is newer or older, an air conditioning maintenance program is highly recommended to improve and maintain energy costs and efficiency, as well as your family’s home comfort.

Replace Air Filters

Regularly replacing the air filters should be a given, but you’d be surprised how many homeowners in the Tampa Bay area forget to do so. Dust, dirt, pet dander and particulates circulate through the air handler, and the filter serves to collect the foreign matter to improve the air quality.

When the filter does not get changed as suggested by your air conditioning contractor or the system manufacturer, it has to work harder to push air through the dirty filter, which compromises the air conditioning system, minimizes its energy efficiency and costs you more money in the long run.

Additionally, if members of your family have allergies, it is even more important to change the filters for better respiratory health.

Avoid Closing Vents

We are always running into situations where our customers have closed vents to certain rooms in their home in an effort to save money. Unfortunately, this is not the way to go about it. Air conditioners have evolved to operate more efficiently than ever, and closing vents may end up doing more harm than good.

Modern air conditioners will have to work harder when vents are closed to certain spaces, which will cost homeowners more money in the long run.

Unblock Air Returns

If you have a central air conditioner in the Tampa Bay area, you also have an air return vent to the ac system. These are typically large and unattractive, so homeowners may be tempted to cover or block them from view.

The problem is, when the air return vent is obstructed, the air conditioning system has to work harder to circulate the air and effectively cool your home. It is very important to unblock air returns, so your air conditioner operates efficiently year-round.

Clear Obstructions from Outdoor Compressor

We have experienced a great deal of rain, storms and even a water spout in Pinellas County this year! It’s important that homeowners refrain from neglecting the area around the outdoor air compressor, so it can do its job and operate efficiently.

Make sure to clear weeds, grass, lawn ornaments, tree limbs, toys, or anything that is blocking the vents on the air compressor. If you have not been impacted by inclement weather, you should still check the area of the compressor regularly to remove any obstructions and keep it working as efficiently as possible.

Turn Attention to the Thermostat

Thermostats get attention when they need adjustments for your family’s home comfort. However, if you have an older thermostat, it may not be a good match to your existing system, or it may not be functioning as efficiently as you think.

According to Home Tech Labs, “A typical thermostat can last around 10 years, but after a decade they may start to show signs of aging due to wiring issues, rusting, dust, or just normal wear and tear.”

If your air conditioner is running constantly, or does not automatically turn on when the thermostat is adjusted; the temperature in the house does not match what is displayed on the thermostat; or it does not respond at all when engaged, it may be time to consider a new one.

Of course, you will want to check the thermostats batteries if it is unresponsive, because later model thermostats use batteries. If that is not the case, contact a professional air conditioning contractor to inspect and/or replace with a new thermostat.

No DIY AC Repairs or Maintenance

Homeowners who try to save money by doing ac repairs and maintenance themselves can cause many more problems than solutions. Not only will DIY ac repairs and maintenance void existing warranties, you may do irreparable damage to the system components.

Aside from changing the air filters, it is advised that homeowners always contact a professional air conditioning technician to perform critical repairs and maintenance to keep your warranties intact and your air conditioner functioning at its optimum.

Proficient Air was established in 2010, as a family-owned and operated air conditioning company in the Tampa Bay area, and we are dedicated to providing our customers with the finest, most affordable strategies in cooling and heating systems, and high quality you can rely on. At Proficient Air, our customers always come first and receive the personal attention they deserve. Our trained technicians provide the best options for home and business owners and help them make the best, most informed decisions. Our motto stands: “Efficient Care = Proficient Air.”

Proficient Air in Palm Harbor offers a variety of high-quality air conditioning systems, as well as routine maintenance contracts, that are specifically tailored to your needs and budget. If it is time for air conditioning maintenance, you need air conditioner repairs, or a complete air conditioning system installation, call Proficient Air today: 727.386.2732

Source: Home Tech Labs