Keeping Your Air Conditioning Working All Summer Long

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Don't Lose Your Cool: 3 Things You Need to Know About Your Air Conditioner

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When it comes to your air conditioner, what you don't know can hurt you and your AC unit. Without proper care, your air conditioner won't be able to provide you with the cool air you need during the summer. To help you avoid mistakes that could lead to costly repair bills, here are just a few things that you need to know about your air conditioning system.

Never Run Your AC Without a Filter

If your filter is dirty, but you don't have a replacement on hand, don't run your air conditioner with an empty filter compartment — even for a short period of time. Running your air conditioner without a filter can cause serious damage to your system, especially if you live in a particularly dusty region of the country, or you have pets. Dust, dirt, and pet hair can build up inside your air conditioner quite quickly when you don't have a filter. Unfortunately, all that debris can clog up your air conditioner and your furnace. Not only that, but it can also clog up your ducts. To avoid the problem, never run your air conditioner or your heater without a filter.

Lower Isn't Necessarily Better

If your home isn't as cool as you'd like it to be, you may think it's a good idea to lower the thermostat. Unfortunately, lower isn't always better, especially where your air conditioner is concerned. In fact, if you lower the temperature on your thermostat too low, your air conditioner may overheat and malfunction. When choosing a setting for your thermostat, consider the outside temperature first. If the outside temperature is over 100 degrees, your air conditioner won't be able to cool your home to 70 degrees. Try to set your thermostat for a setting that's no more than 20 degrees lower than the outside temperature.

Exercise Caution with Your Lawn Care

When you head outside for the weekly lawn care, exercise caution around your air conditioner. You might not realize this, but your lawn care routine can put your air conditioner at risk. First, if you have grass or weeds near the air conditioner, take care with the weed eater. You could accidentally cut right through the wires connecting your air conditioner to your home. Second, use the grass catcher on your lawnmower around your air conditioner. Grass clippings can get inside the coils and decrease airflow to your air conditioner.


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