If you own a home, it's your job to properly care for the AC unit. Failing to do so could result in costly issues. Even if you don't have a lot of experience maintaining these units, you can be successful as long as you avoid these maintenance mistakes.

Allowing Outside Unit to Get Too Dirty

There are a lot of homeowners that unfortunately neglect the outside AC unit, also referred to as the condenser unit. That's the last thing you need to do with your AC system because it will make it perform inefficiently and also lead to parts breaking down prematurely.

The best thing you can do in regards to maintaining this outside unit is to keep it clean throughout the year. You need to keep dirt, debris, and leaves away and also take out things that collect inside. You can even set up a protective structure around this outside unit so that it's not left exposed to the elements as much.

Using the Wrong Filter

It may not cost that much, but one of the more important components of your AC unit is the air filter. You would be surprised to find out how many homeowners neglect this part and actually set up the wrong one. Then their AC system is left more exposed to dirt and debris, causing inefficiency issues.

You need to make sure you find out exactly what size and type of air filter you need, which you can do by consulting with your AC unit's manufacturer. Or you can get filter recommendations from a residential HVAC technician. Such a simple step will pay off in terms of your AC unit running efficiently. 

Not Scheduling Professional Tune-Ups

There are some homeowners that think they know enough about AC maintenance that they don't need to get help from professionals. This type of thinking can cause all sorts of issues later on that could have easily been prevented had you taken advantage of professional tune-ups.

They will ensure important parts and systems are in great shape, including the air ducts, condenser unit, coolant lines, and motor. Any problems that are identified by the HVAC technician can be addressed right on the spot, preventing them from getting much worse. 

Whatever type of AC unit is on your property, you need to put some time into its maintenance. This will not be challenging if you know what pitfalls to avoid that trip up a lot of homeowners today. 

To learn more, contact a company that offers air conditioning maintenance services.