Once you have an air conditioning unit installed, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it. These modern systems can help reduce excessive heat, improve indoor air quality, and create a more comfortable environment at home or at work.
Most designs are easy to use, with warning lights to alert you if anything goes wrong, and the manufacturer’s customer service team is just at the end of the telephone. However, there are certain things you should never do to your air conditioning unit if you want to avoid breakdowns, high running costs, and poor air quality. Read on to discover five mistakes to avoid – and what to do instead.
Ignore air conditioning maintenance
Ignoring maintenance is one of the quickest ways to shorten the lifespan of your system. To get the most out of your machine and ensure many years of efficient performance, you should have a regular servicing schedule in place. A planned maintenance visit from a qualified engineer will check everything from filters and coils through to fans, motors, and electrical components.
Booking professional air conditioning service and maintenance at least once a year helps to maintain energy efficiency, reduce running costs, and spot small faults before they become costly repairs.
Forget to Replace or Clean Your Air Filter
Your air conditioning filter is responsible for capturing dirt, dust, and airborne contaminants. It’s also a key reason why HVAC systems can help improve air quality and reduce allergy symptoms for occupants.
If filters are left too long, they clog up and restrict airflow. This makes your unit work harder, increases energy use, and can push trapped particles back into the air you breathe. As a minimum, filters should be checked in line with your maintenance schedule and replaced at least once a year – more frequently in dusty environments or busy commercial spaces.
Ignore warning lights and unusual behaviour
Modern HVAC systems are designed to alert you early if something isn’t right. Warning lights, error codes, unusual noises, or a sudden drop in performance are all signs that your system needs attention.
Ignoring these early warnings is a common mistake. It can lead to a complete breakdown, water leaks, frozen coils, or electrical issues – all of which are far more expensive to put right. In some cases, running a faulty system for too long can cause damage that’s beyond repair, forcing you to replace the unit sooner than necessary.
Ignore the refrigerant levels
Refrigerant is the working fluid that allows your system to remove heat from inside the building and discharge cool air. When refrigerant levels drop below the manufacturer’s recommended level, your air conditioner has to work much harder to reach the set temperature.
Low refrigerant can cause poor cooling performance, higher electricity bills, frozen coils, and premature compressor failure. Because refrigerant handling is regulated, only qualified engineers should check and top up levels as part of a professional service.
Try to manage everything without a professional
There are plenty of simple tasks you can do in-house, such as keeping indoor and outdoor units clear of obstructions and checking filters between services. However, attempting to diagnose or repair faults without the right training can be dangerous and may void manufacturer warranties.
For anything involving electrical components, refrigerant, persistent leaks, or recurring error codes, it pays to bring in an expert. Working with a specialist team like Controlled Climate’s experienced air conditioning engineers ensures your system is tested properly, repaired safely, and set up for long-term reliability.
Whether you need ongoing servicing or you’re considering an upgrade with a new home air conditioning installation, it’s worth speaking to a professional who understands your property and usage.
Protect your AC investment.
Avoiding these five common mistakes will help you keep your air conditioning unit running efficiently, safely, and reliably for years to come. For more practical advice, explore the latest air conditioning guides and buying advice, or contact the team to discuss the best maintenance plan for your home or business.