7 Mistakes You’re Making with Your AC This Summer (and How to Fix Them Before It’s Too Late)
Summer in Central Texas means one thing: your air conditioner becomes your best friend. But what if that best friend is secretly working against you? Many homeowners unknowingly sabotage their own comfort and wallet through simple mistakes that can lead to sky-high energy bills, unexpected breakdowns, and sweltering nights when you need cool air most.
The good news? These mistakes are totally fixable and catching them now can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs and keep your home comfortable all season long. Let’s dive into the seven most common AC mistakes we see at Accu-Temp and how to fix them before they turn into expensive problems.
Mistake #1: Closing Vents in “Unused” Rooms
The Problem: Think you’re being smart by closing vents in guest rooms or areas you don’t use much? This actually backfires big time. Your AC system is designed like a highway system – it needs balanced airflow throughout your entire home to work efficiently.
When you close vents, you’re essentially creating traffic jams in your ductwork. The system was sized and installed expecting all vents to be open. Closing them increases pressure in your ducts, which can cause air leaks and forces your blower motor to work overtime trying to push air through a more restrictive system.
The Fix: Keep all your vents open and make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, curtains, or that pile of laundry you’ve been meaning to fold. Give each vent at least 6 inches of clearance on all sides. Your AC will thank you with better efficiency and more even cooling.
Mistake #2: Forgetting About Your Air Filter
The Problem: Your air filter is like the lungs of your AC system, and when it’s clogged, everything suffers. A dirty filter makes your system work exponentially harder, kind of like trying to breathe through a straw. This not only jacks up your energy bills but also circulates dust and allergens throughout your home.
We’ve seen systems completely freeze up because of dirty filters – and trust us, that’s not a fun repair bill in July.
The Fix: Check your filter monthly during peak season. Hold it up to the light – if you can’t see through it clearly, it’s time for a replacement. Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder. Your future self (and your energy bill) will thank you.
Mistake #3: Cranking the Thermostat Way Down
The Problem: Setting your thermostat to 65°F when you walk into a warm house won’t cool it down any faster than setting it to your target temperature of 73°F. Air conditioners cool at a steady rate – they don’t have a “turbo mode.” All you’re doing is making your system run non-stop until it hits that frigid temperature, wasting tons of energy.
The Fix: Set your thermostat to your desired temperature and be patient. If you’re still feeling warm, try using ceiling fans or checking for other issues like blocked vents or poor insulation. A programmable or smart thermostat can help maintain consistent temperatures without the temptation to constantly adjust.
Mistake #4: Skipping Annual Maintenance
The Problem: Would you drive your car for years without an oil change? Your AC system needs regular tune-ups just as much, especially before the brutal Texas summer hits. Skipping maintenance is like playing Russian roulette with your comfort – you might get lucky, but when something breaks in August, you’re looking at emergency service calls and potentially being without AC for days.
Small issues caught during maintenance cost dollars to fix. Those same issues, when they cause a breakdown, can cost hundreds or thousands.
The Fix: Schedule your annual maintenance in spring, before you really need your AC. A good technician will clean your system, check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections, and catch potential problems before they become expensive emergencies. It’s the best insurance policy you can buy for your comfort. A heating check should be scheduled when the temperature drops below 70 degrees.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Warning Signs
The Problem: Your AC system tries to tell you when something’s wrong through unusual noises, smells, or performance changes. Grinding sounds, musty odors, warm air from vents, or constantly cycling on and off are all cries for help. Ignoring these signs during summer is especially risky because your system is working its hardest when Texas heat peaks.
The Fix: Pay attention to changes in how your system sounds, smells, or performs. Keep a log of any unusual behavior – when it happens, how often, and what it sounds or smells like. This information helps technicians diagnose problems faster and more accurately.
Mistake #6: Neglecting the Outdoor Unit
The Problem: Your outdoor condenser unit is working overtime in summer, and it needs room to breathe. When it’s surrounded by overgrown shrubs, stacked with storage items, or covered in grass clippings and debris, it can’t release heat properly. This makes your entire system work harder and less efficiently.
A dirty condenser coil acts like wearing a heavy coat in summer – your system overheats and struggles to do its job.
The Fix: Keep at least 2 feet of clearance around your outdoor unit. Trim back any vegetation, remove debris regularly, and gently clean the fins with your garden hose (with the power off, of course). Never use a pressure washer – those delicate fins bend easily.
Mistake #7: DIY Repairs Gone Wrong
The Problem: YouTube makes everything look easy, but AC systems involve refrigerants, electrical components, and precision-calibrated parts. We’ve seen simple problems turn into major repairs because well-meaning homeowners tried to fix things themselves. Plus, working with refrigerants requires EPA certification – it’s literally illegal for unlicensed people to handle them.
The Fix: Know your limits. You can safely change filters, clear debris from around the outdoor unit, and reset circuit breakers. For everything else, call the professionals. It might cost more upfront, but it’s way cheaper than replacing components damaged during DIY attempts.
The Bottom Line
These seven mistakes might seem minor individually, but together they can turn your reliable AC system into an energy-guzzling, breakdown-prone headache. The best part? Most of these fixes are simple and inexpensive when caught early.
Your AC system is your lifeline during Texas summers. Treat it well with regular maintenance, prompt attention to problems, and respect for its design, and it’ll keep you comfortable for years to come. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to call the professionals – we’d rather help you prevent problems than fix expensive breakdowns in the middle of a heat wave.
Stay cool out there and remember: a little prevention now saves a lot of sweat (and money) later.