As a homeowner in Colorado Springs, you know how essential your air conditioner can be during those hot summer months. With soaring temperatures and dry heat, your AC isn’t just a luxury—it’s a must-have for keeping your home cool and comfortable. However, many homeowners unknowingly make maintenance mistakes that can reduce efficiency, shorten the life of their system, and lead to higher energy bills.

In this blog post, our Colorado Springs air conditioning experts cover five common AC maintenance mistakes and provide expert tips to help you avoid them. Implementing these simple strategies can save you money and extend the life of your cooling system.

Keep reading for valuable insights, or contact the Colorado Springs HVAC professionals at Big Cat for personalized advice and services!

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1) Skipping Routine AC Tune-Ups

Why it matters: It’s easy to think that if your AC is running, everything is fine. However, without a professional inspection, small issues can go unnoticed and lead to larger problems down the road.

What can go wrong:

• Low refrigerant levels or refrigerant leaks
• Dirty evaporator or condenser coils, leading to poor heat transfer
• Loose or frayed electrical connections
• Increased energy consumption and higher bills

What to do instead: Schedule an annual AC tune-up in Colorado Springs each spring, before the heat sets in. A Big Cat HVAC professional will inspect the refrigerant levels, clean the coils, test electrical connections, and calibrate your thermostat to ensure peak efficiency.

2) Forgetting to Change the Air Filter Regularly

Why it matters: Your air filter is your AC’s first line of defense, trapping dust, debris, and allergens. When it gets clogged, airflow decreases, and your system has to work harder to maintain cooling.

What can go wrong:

• Poor airflow, leading to hot spots in your home
• Increased wear on the system and higher cooling costs
• Poor indoor air quality, especially if you have pets or allergies
• Frozen coils if airflow is restricted too much

What to do instead: Check your air filter every month, especially during the summer. If it’s dirty, replace it—this is a quick and affordable way to ensure your AC continues to work efficiently. If you have pets or live in an area with high pollen counts, you might need to replace the filter more often.

3) Ignoring Unusual Noises or Odors

Why it matters: Strange noises or smells from your air conditioner are early warning signs that something may be wrong. Ignoring these signs can lead to expensive AC repairs or complete system failure.

Common red flags to watch for:

• Hissing or bubbling sounds, indicating a refrigerant leak
• Grinding or screeching noises, suggesting motor or fan issues
• Musty odors, signaling mold or mildew buildup
• Burning smells, which could point to electrical problems

What to do instead: If you notice any unusual sounds or smells, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Turn off your AC and call a qualified HVAC technician in Colorado Springs right away to address the issue before it leads to bigger repairs or health risks.

4) Setting the Thermostat Too Low

Why it matters: Lowering the thermostat to an excessively low temperature doesn’t make your house cool faster. In fact, it only makes your AC work harder, causing unnecessary wear and tear on the system and increasing your energy bills.

What can go wrong:

• Frozen coils and potential damage to the system
• Excessive wear and tear on internal components
• Higher monthly energy costs

What to do instead: Keep your thermostat set between 74–78°F for optimal comfort and energy efficiency. A smart thermostat can also help you adjust the settings automatically based on your schedule and the outdoor temperature, improving both convenience and savings.

5) Neglecting the Outdoor Unit

Why it matters: Your outdoor condenser unit plays a critical role in expelling the heat your AC removes from inside your home. If it’s dirty or blocked, it can cause the entire system to underperform.

What can go wrong:

• Overheating of the compressor, leading to system failure
• Reduced cooling efficiency
• Increased strain on the system, shortening its lifespan

What to do instead: Clear the area around your outdoor unit, ensuring there’s at least 2–3 feet of space. Trim back any plants, weeds, or grass, and remove debris like leaves or dirt. You can hose off the unit to clean it, but avoid using a pressure washer, as this can damage the delicate fins. If you notice unusual sounds or reduced cooling performance, contact an HVAC professional for an inspection.

Need AC Maintenance in Colorado Springs?

By avoiding these five common mistakes, you can ensure that your air conditioner works efficiently and lasts for years. If you’re due for an AC tune-up or need a repair, don’t wait until the heat is unbearable—call our team at Big Cat today.

Call us or schedule your service online to make sure your AC is ready for the summer months ahead. Let us help you stay cool all season long!

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