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You might be thinking: air conditioners are just a big waste of energy and money, right? If your air conditioner is losing you energy and money, there are ways to prevent this. At Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning, our team wishes to promote proper air conditioner use and provide you with the best air conditioner services. Here is a list of some common air conditioner misconceptions that can show you how to save money and get the most out of your machine.

Misconception: No Need to Clean

Since air conditioners are located outside, they have to battle against the elements. Debris can collect over time and can especially accumulate during the winter months. This means that debris can block important parts of your air conditioner that keep it from functioning properly. Be sure to clear away any grass and weeds that may have grown around the base of the air conditioner.

Also, be aware of any animals and insects that can be attracted to your air conditioner. Take care of any plants that might attract bees, and be sure to keep any pets away from the unit. Dogs especially can cause serious damage, either by chewing on wires or urinating on the system. Either of those things could break your system and call for a total air conditioner replacement.

Misconception: No Need for a Filter Change

Filters help to keep the air in your home clean and breathable. Just as it is important to change the filters of your furnace in the winter, it is important to change the filter of your air conditioner in the summer. This is why your air conditioner filter needs to be changed every 90 days. A dirty filter could result in water leakage near your furnace, which can severely damage your system. Dirty filters can also lead to frozen coils or total system failure in your air conditioner unit.

If you need assistance changing your filter, please watch our tutorial video or schedule an appointment with us.

Misconception: Crank that Thermostat

If you come home to a stuffy house, your first instinct might be to crank your thermostat to a low temperature. We recommend not setting your thermostat lower than 70 degrees. Your air conditioner is already designed to be able to reach temperatures around 10 – 15 degrees below what the temperature is outside. If you crank your thermostat below 70 degrees, it is possible that your air conditioner coils could freeze, resulting in system failure.

Misconception: No Problem? No A/C Checkups

If your air conditioner does not have an apparent problem, then you might decide that it is perfectly fine. This is one of the biggest air conditioner misconceptions that could end up costing you more in the long run. Having regular checkups on your air conditioner can help prevent a problem from arising. Anything from debris to faulty coolant lines could end up breaking the machine down. Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning has certified technicians who can help service your product and ensure that it will continue to run efficiently.

Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning Debunks Air Conditioner Misconceptions

Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning provides you with top service performances for your furnaces, air conditioners, and other systems. Our aim is to increase home comfort and the indoor air quality in Western Washington homes. Our certified repair technicians are dedicated to the maintenance of your air conditioner and furnaces. Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning proudly partners with organizations focused on sustainability and innovation, including Built Green, Energy Star, and Puget Sound Energy. Call us at (800) 840-3346 or contact us online.

As summer arrives, many are switching from their furnace to their air conditioning units. Most, however, are not aware of the importance of checking their HVAC systems as they prepare for the summer. Read on to discover some essential summer prep tips for your HVAC units brought to you by Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning. When in doubt, our team of certified technicians can help you with all of your HVAC system needs.

Furnaces

Your furnace might not be in much use during these summer months, but it is still important to check up on your furnace before you turn it off for the summer. Summer prep tips for furnaces include making sure that your filters and coils are cleaned or replaced if needed. If you need assistance with replacing a filter, check out these tutorial videos to get you all set up. If you need further assistance, we are happy to help you replace and clean your furnace. This regular checkup will prepare your furnace for the winter months when it is used regularly.

Looking to replace your furnace? Check out our array of furnaces that will keep your home air warm and clean.

Air Conditioners

Air conditioners need to be checked before use in the summer. Similarly to the furnace being dormant in the summer, your air conditioner was not used in the winter. The colder weather could possibly have damaged or dirtied the air conditioner. It is crucial to have your air conditioner cleaned and checked by a certified professional. This prevents it from potentially pumping contaminated air into your home. Debris and dirt can also damage your unit and cost you more money.

Ensuring that the air conditioner is fully cleaned is a vital step in your HVAC summer prep. Similarly to your furnace, we can also assist you in cleaning your air conditioner unit. Air conditioners need their filters and coils cleaned, especially since they can accumulate dust and debris. Clutter like leaves or dirt can also collect in the drain and can block important parts of your air conditioner and damage the system.

Take the time to test the unit before putting it into heavy use. Anything from the coolant lines to dust buildup can keep your air conditioner from running properly. If you find that your air conditioner is malfunctioning, please contact us to get a certified technician to look at your air conditioner. We also have top air conditioner products that will keep your house cool this summer.

Thermostats

A faulty thermostat can waste energy and keep your house from getting cool in the summer. One simple way to test your thermostat is to set the thermostat five degrees cooler during the warmer months to make sure that the correct unit turns on. If the A/C unit is unresponsive, call us to have a technician check to see if the blower comes on properly.

It might be time for you to switch over to a state-of-the-art thermostat with Wi-Fi capabilities. We carry a range of thermostats from which you can choose from. Thermostats such as the Nest Learning Thermostat have been found to save energy. Wi-Fi controlled thermostats also allow for you to control the temperature of your home from an app on your smartphone.

Let Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning Help with Your Summer Prep

Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning provides you with top service performances for your furnaces, air conditioners, and other home systems. Our goal is to increase the indoor air quality in Western Washington homes. With certified, dedicated technicians ready to assist you, your home air will stay cool and clean this summer. To set up an appointment or to learn more about our services and products, call us at (800) 840-3346 or contact us online.