Many customers make small mistakes with their AC units without noticing the damage. Simple habits like setting very low temperatures or ignoring filter cleaning put extra load on the system. These small issues grow into big repair costs over time. Green Shirts provides AC maintenance services in Al Barsha 1 and they often see AC units damaged just because of basic mistakes.
Using your AC the right way increases its lifespan. When you follow correct settings and simple maintenance steps, the AC runs smoothly. It cools better and uses less electricity. Proper usage also protects the compressor and reduces the chances of sudden failures.
Table of Contents
Ignoring Regular Maintenance & Cleaning
Ignoring regular AC maintenance and cleaning is one of the most common mistakes customers make. When an AC is not serviced on time, dust and dirt start collecting inside the system. This slows down the airflow and forces the AC to work harder than normal.
Dirty filters and clogged coils reduce cooling and increase electricity usage. The compressor gets extra load, which can lead to overheating or early failure. Small issues like low gas or weak wiring stay hidden when you skip maintenance.
Regular servicing prevents these problems. Cleaning the filters, checking gas levels, and inspecting the outdoor unit keeps the system running smoothly. It also improves cooling performance and saves money on energy bills.
Setting the AC Temperature Too Low
Setting the AC temperature too low is a common mistake many customers make. People think dropping the temperature to 16°C or 18°C will cool the room faster, but it doesn’t. The AC cools at the same speed no matter what number you select. A very low setting only puts extra pressure on the compressor.
When the compressor works harder than required, the AC consumes more electricity. This leads to high energy bills and more strain on the unit. Running the AC at extremely low temperatures can also cause freezing on coils, weak airflow, and unnecessary wear and tear.
Blocking Airflow Around Indoor or Outdoor Units
Blocking the airflow around indoor or outdoor AC units is a mistake many users don’t notice. When the indoor unit is covered by curtains, furniture, or wall décor, the air cannot move freely. This reduces cooling and forces the AC to run longer than necessary.
The outdoor unit also needs open space to release hot air. When it is surrounded by plants, dust, boxes, or construction debris, the heat gets trapped. This makes the compressor work harder to maintain the temperature. Over time, this stress can lead to overheating or early compressor failure.
Proper airflow is essential for the AC to work efficiently. Both the indoor and outdoor units should have clear space around them so the air can circulate smoothly. This improves cooling and reduces electricity use.
Misusing Thermostat & AC Modes
Misusing thermostat settings and AC modes is another common mistake that affects performance. Many users keep changing the temperature again and again, thinking it will cool faster. This constant adjustment confuses the system and puts unnecessary load on the compressor.
Each AC mode has a purpose, but most customers use only the cool mode or use the wrong mode at the wrong time. For example, using the dry mode in high humidity is helpful, but using it in a hot room reduces cooling. Using fan mode instead of cool mode does not lower the room temperature, yet many people expect it to cool the space. These mistakes reduce comfort and increase energy use.
Thermostat placement also matters. If the thermostat is exposed to sunlight or placed near heat-producing appliances, it reads the wrong temperature. This makes the AC run longer and pushes the system harder.
Overworking the AC in Wrong Room Conditions
Overworking the AC in the wrong room conditions is a problem many customers don’t realize they are causing. When an AC is installed in a room that is too large for its capacity, it keeps running nonstop to reach the set temperature. This puts heavy pressure on the compressor and reduces the overall life of the unit.
The same issue happens when doors or windows are left open. Cool air escapes and hot air enters again and again, forcing the AC to work harder for longer periods. Even small gaps or broken seals around windows can make the AC run more than it should. This leads to weak cooling, higher bills, and constant strain on internal parts.
Heat-producing items like ovens, irons, or powerful lights in the same room also affect AC performance. When the room keeps generating heat, the AC never gets a break. The unit stays under continuous load, which increases the chances of sudden breakdowns.
Running the AC with Dirty or Clogged Filters
Running the AC with dirty or clogged filters is one of the simplest mistakes that causes the most damage. When the filter gets filled with dust, the airflow becomes weak. The AC has to work harder to pull air in, which puts constant pressure on the compressor and other parts. Most people don’t clean the filters on time, and they don’t realize how quickly dirt collects.
Dirty filters also reduce cooling. Even if the AC is new, the room won’t cool properly because the air cannot pass through smoothly. This makes the unit run longer and consume more electricity. Over time, this extra load increases your energy bill and shortens the AC’s lifespan.
Using AC Without Voltage Protection
Using an AC without proper voltage protection is a silent mistake that many people make. In areas where electricity fluctuates, the AC becomes vulnerable every time the voltage drops or spikes. These sudden changes directly affect the compressor, which is the most expensive part of the unit. One bad fluctuation can cause serious internal damage.
Without a stabilizer or voltage protector, the AC has no defense. Low voltage makes the AC struggle to start, while high voltage can burn sensitive electronic components. Most customers notice the problem only when the cooling becomes weak or the AC stops working entirely. By then, the repair cost is usually high.
A quality voltage protector or stabilizer keeps the power supply steady. It prevents damage by regulating sudden changes in electricity. This protects the compressor, PCB board, and wiring from unexpected shocks.
Conclusion
Many AC problems start from small customer mistakes. Simple habits like cleaning filters, using the right modes, and keeping proper airflow can protect your AC from damage. Proper care saves money and avoids sudden breakdowns. Green Shirts provides AC maintenance in Dubai to help customers keep their units safe, efficient, and long-lasting.
