A cool, air conditioned home serves as a sanctuary against the harsh, hot, heat of summer. But did you know that you may be making some air conditioning mistakes when it comes to keeping your home cool that may be making your system run inefficiently and could be costing you money?

The HVAC contractors at Purvis Heating & Air Conditioning have been serving the communities in and around Fitzgerald, GA since 1976. They know the most common mistakes homeowners make when using their AC and want their customers to be aware of what they are and how to avoid them.

Here are four of the most common air conditioning mistakes homeowners make:

Putting It Where It Is Hot or Hidden

Installing your air conditioning in a sunny, unshaded area of your yard in direct sunlight will make the unit work too hard to keep your home cool. Install your unit in an area that won’t get too much direct sun. Also, don’t hide your outdoor unit in plants or a garden because you run the risk of debris, sticks, and dirt getting caught in and clogging the unit.

Buying the Wrong Size

You may think bigger is better, but when it comes to air conditioning installing too big of a unit won’t help keep your home as cool as you think. In fact, it will cycle on and off quickly and may not provide uniform cooling throughout the house. The same goes for too small of a unit. It will have to stay on longer to try and keep the temperature steady, increasing your energy costs and reducing your efficiency.

Keeping It Running All Day

Running the AC system all day will increase your energy costs and have you paying to keep an empty house cool. Investing in a programmable thermostat will let you set the timer to adjust the air depending on when you will need it. There are also newer systems with Wi-Fi thermostats that will allow you to program your system from your phone. Cooling the house only when needed will help keep your energy costs down and keep you cool.

Not Maintaining Your System

There are some simple maintenance steps that you can take to make sure it is clean, unclogged, and running the way it should. Checking and cleaning vents and ducts, as well as the evaporator coil, will go a long way to extending the life of your system. It is always a good idea to bring in a professional to service your system. They will be able to find and address any issues that may affect how your system runs.

Taking care to avoid these mistakes will increase the lifespan of your air conditioner, help it run more efficiently and save you money. If you need an HVAC contractor in Fitzgerald or the surrounding communities, contact Purvis Heating & Air Conditioning. Call (229) 423-9100 to make an appointment or visit them online for more on all their services.