Like any other major appliance, when it comes to a central air conditioner, there are a handful of erroneous activities that can dramatically affect its efficiency, diminish its longevity, and cause your energy bills to soar. Even though they may seem minor, if left unaddressed, they can cause significant problems in the long run. With summer on its way, take a second to confirm that you aren’t making the following cooling mistakes.

Central Air Conditioning Blunders to Avoid

1. Incorrect Location for the Thermostat

When a thermostat is installed near a window, it can cause the temperature to read hotter than it actually is. For example, even if the rest of the house has an ambient temperature of 70°F, the thermostat could read 75°F, since it’s getting more sunlight. Having it there makes it difficult to accurately adjust the temperature, which will cause you to run the air conditioner longer than necessary.

2. Leaving Windows or Doors Open

If you don’t want to depend on your central air conditioner all the time, it’s perfectly fine to open a window or door to let in the breeze. Doing so at night, when the temperatures are much lower, is an excellent way to keep your cooling costs down. However, you have to make sure your air conditioner isn’t running simultaneously. Otherwise, you’ll pay for the constant usage. You can either turn it off manually or set the temperature higher.

3. Using Clogged Air Filters

Clogged air filters account for numerous inefficiency complaints. They’re also responsible for poor indoor air quality. When dust and debris collect on the filter, it obstructs airflow and forces the air conditioner to use more energy to achieve the correct temperature. Every household is different, but generally speaking, filters should be replaced every season. If you have pets or family members with allergies, you may want to replace it more frequently. If you’re unsure, ask your HVAC contractor for their recommendation.

Whether you need to install a new thermostat or you’re interested in upgrading the entire central air conditioning system, Reading Heating & Air Conditioning will help. For more than 70 years, these contractors have served residents and businesses throughout the Greater Cincinnati, OH, area. Whether you need furnace installation, HVAC maintenance, or air conditioning repairs, their experienced technicians will get the job done right. Visit their website to learn more about their services and book an appointment by calling (513) 821-1633 today.