Top 8 Mistakes That Can Damage Your Air Conditioner

A condition of air (AC) is a must in keeping the home or office temperature cool, especially in extreme temperatures such as Dubai. But unknowingly, many of us make mistakes that can hurt the AC, which in return could lead to an abnormal energy bill, occasional breakdowns, and costly repairs. Air conditioning spare parts neglect, air filter change neglect, or an improperly set thermostat are just a few issues that can translate to lower efficiency and decrease your unit's lifespan. Oftentimes, such harmful practices can result in damages that require costly replacements, with the need for quality spare parts dealers in Dubai to help identify the correct components. 

Sustaining the efficient functioning of your AC should be your priority for years; hence, it is vital to know about common mistakes that cause damage. AC air filters could be one of the most sidelined problems, as they are responsible for filtering dust and air pollutants. A clogged filter restricts airflow and puts extra strain on the AC, which will wear the system more proactively. Other mistakes include ignoring refrigerant leaks, blocking air vents, and failing to clean the outdoor unit. By avoiding such problems, utilize high-quality spare parts, and you can maximize your air conditioner's life and cooling efficiency.

Here are some of the top mistakes that can damage your air conditioner.

1. Ignoring Regular Maintenance

Ignoring regular air conditioner maintenance will probably be one great mistake made by many homeowners. The air conditioning unit really needs a check-up or maintenance schedule to ensure that it is still effectively working. Accumulation of dirt, dust, and other debris inside the unit compels it to work harder, which will end up at increasing the probability of having which breakdown. 

How to Avoid:

Book for professional maintenance service of the AC twice a year.

Change or clean air filters every one to three months.

Regular inspection, listening for noises indicative of leaks, or checking on an ac unit's operation for changes, such as lack of performance.

2. Set the Thermostat Too Low

People mistakenly think that if they set the thermostat at the lowest temperature, their house will cool faster. It would also really mean that the ac is working harder, causing wear-and-tear, and boosting the energy bill. 

What to Avoid:

Thermostat set at a comfortable temperature (around 24-26 °C or 75-78 °F). Ceiling fans direct cool air evenly around. 

Invest in a programmable thermostat to make the most of cooling. 

3. Block Air Vents and Registers

Furniture or curtains placed in front of air vents or other objects tend to block airflow. This reduced the efficiency of the air conditioning system. How restricted airflow will be the harder workout unit, and it would use even a huge amount of energy with the high chance of it sounds like overheating.

How to Avoid:

Clear vents and registers from furniture and curtains.

Dust clearance is done at regular intervals in vents. 

Air circulation is ensured by leaving doors open in between the rooms.

4. Skipping Replacement of the Air Filter

An air filter that is dirty or clogged can hinder the air flow, making the AC work harder and lose efficiency. It can worsen the quality of indoor air, which can enhance allergy and respiratory problems to an even greater extent.

Avoidance:

Every month, check the air filter and replace it as necessary.

Utilize filters of good quality suitable for the model used in your AC.

If you have pets or suffer from allergies, consider using HEPA filter air for the utmost cleanliness.

5. Not Cleaning the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor condenser unit is just as essential in cooling your home as its indoor counterpart. If it's covered with dirt, leaves, or debris, it will not be able to dissipate heat properly, leading to an overheating, failure-prone system.

Avoidance:

The outdoor unit must be cleaned from any dirt and debris.

Ensure that there are at least two feet of space around the condenser for proper airflow.

Schedule for professional AC servicing where the condenser performance will be assessed. 

6. Ignoring Refrigerants Leaks

Refrigerants are used to cool your house, and the leaking of refrigerants in the system makes life difficult for the AC in properly cooling the air. If your AC is blowing warm air, or if you notice any ice buildup on the coils, it is indicative of possible refrigerant leaks.

Avoiding:

If you suspect a leak, call a professional AC technician immediately. 

Never attempt to refill the refrigerant by yourself; it must always be done by an expert. 

You should check your air conditioner regularly for any leakage or low cooling efficiency signs.

7. Leaving Windows and Doors Open 

Leaving windows and doors open while the AC runs helps hot air enter into the room, forcing the AC to work harder to maintain the set temperature. This, in turn, increases energy usage and applies unnecessary pressure on the system. 

Ways to Avoid It:

Keep windows and doors shut whenever the AC is in operation.

To reduce heat gain, install insulated curtains or use blinds. 

Check for air leaks and seal gaps around doors and windows.

8. Overusing the AC without Break-the-Continuous Cycle

Having the air conditioning on without a break will probably cause overheating and increases wear and tear of the various parts. This causes frequent breaks down and costs a lot on repair. 

Ways to Avoid It:

Give a periodical break to your AC unit by turning it off in times that it is not needed. 

Use energy-saving mode or a programmable thermostat to help control your usage. 

Ensure that the home is properly insulated to reduce the amount needed to be cooled.

Conclusion

Your air conditioner requires proper care to allow you to hang on to a comfortable indoor environment and save yourself a lot of costs on possible repairs. Avoid making rookie mistakes like neglecting AC air filters, replacing worn-out parts, and failing to service your AC for an efficient running unit. If parts have to be replaced in your air conditioning unit, make sure that your choice of AC spare parts dealers in Dubai provides high-quality and compatible parts for your unit.

Regular maintenance and timely service for filter changes or any professional servicing of your air conditioner ensure round-the-clock performance. Apart from the overall performance, the installation of genuine air conditioning spare parts provides added benefits of energy efficiency and cost-saving in due course. By taking timely action in favor of your air conditioning unit, you can literally enjoy untarnished cooling of it and effectively boost its longevity, thus enabling you to reap from it as a long-term investment.