Living in Orange County means long, warm summers and plenty of sunshine—but it also puts a lot of stress on your air conditioning. HVAC units have become necessities in our daily lives, but there’s a lot that the average homeowner doesn’t know about them.
Whether you’re in Costa Mesa, Irvine, or Huntington Beach, a poorly maintained AC can lead to skyrocketing energy bills, uneven cooling, and unexpected breakdowns. Many homeowners make simple mistakes that shorten their AC’s lifespan or reduce its efficiency—mistakes that are completely avoidable.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the AC mistakes you should avoid to keep your home cool, comfortable, and energy-efficient all summer long.
1. Getting the Right Size For Your Space
When purchasing a new HVAC unit, make sure that it is the right size for your home, meaning that it’s not too big or too small. There are a few factors that you should take into consideration, including:
- Location
- Insulation
- Square footage
The problem with buying a unit that is not the right size for your home is that it will operate very inefficiently, it will cycle on and off often, and will likely burn out faster because of its inefficient energy use and operation.
2. Keeping a Constant Temperature
Try to keep your thermostat as close to a constant temperature as possible. Obviously, you will need to adjust it as the weather changes, but keep it within two or three degrees. Even if you are going away on vacation, don’t shut your system off all the way. You will spend a great deal of money getting your home back to the temperature you desire.
Additionally, the closer you keep your indoor thermostat to the temperature outside of your home, the less money you will spend on heating and cooling costs.
3. Replacing Air Filters
Many homeowners forget about their air filters; more specifically, they forget that they need to be replaced every few months. How often they need to be replaced depends on a few factors, including:
- Size of the home
- How many residents live in the home
- Are there kids in the house?
- Are there pets in the home?
- Does anyone have allergies or sensitivities?
Usually, air filters should be replaced every six months at most, but if you have kids, pets, or smokers in the home, the filters should be replaced closer to every two months.
4. Neglecting Regular Maintenance
One of the most common mistakes Orange County homeowners make is skipping routine AC maintenance. With our warm Southern California climate, your air conditioner works hard for months on end. Neglecting it can lead to reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, and even costly breakdowns.
Even if you’re diligent about changing filters, your AC still needs an annual professional inspection. A licensed technician can clean coils, check refrigerant levels, and catch small issues before they turn into expensive repairs. Schedule a service with Coast Plumbing.
Regular maintenance isn’t just a recommendation—it’s essential for keeping your home cool, comfortable, and energy-efficient all season long.
When to Replace Your AC Unit
Even with proper maintenance, air conditioners don’t last forever. In Orange County’s warm climate, your AC works hard every summer, so it’s important to know when it’s time for a replacement rather than just repairs.
Signs Your AC May Need Replacement:
- Age of the Unit: Most AC systems last 10–15 years. If yours is older, it may be less efficient and prone to breakdowns.
- Frequent Repairs: If you’re calling a technician multiple times each year, replacement may be more cost-effective than constant fixes.
- Rising Energy Bills: An older or failing AC may struggle to cool your home, causing higher electricity bills in areas like Anaheim or Irvine.
- Inconsistent Cooling: Rooms that stay hot while others are cool could indicate your system can no longer distribute air properly.
- Excessive Noise or Strange Smells: Loud rattling, hissing, or burning odors are often signs of serious issues.
If your AC is nearing 10–15 years, start budgeting for a replacement before a heatwave hits. Modern units are more energy-efficient, which can save money in the long run—especially during OC summers.
Avoid These AC Mistakes for a Longer-Lasting System
Keeping your Orange County home comfortable during the hot months doesn’t have to be a battle. By avoiding these common AC mistakes, you can save money, extend the life of your system, and enjoy reliable cooling when you need it most.
Take a proactive approach this season: schedule regular maintenance, optimize your thermostat settings, and ensure proper airflow throughout your home. Your AC (and your wallet) will thank you!
If you ever have questions or need help with your HVAC unit, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Coast Plumbing, Heating & Air.
FAQs About AC Mistakes
Yes. Turn off your AC to prevent damage, switch the fan to “on” to help melt the ice, and check for blocked vents or dirty filters. If the problem persists, call a professional.
Most experts recommend scheduling a professional AC inspection at least once a year, ideally in spring before the summer heat hits. This ensures your system is ready for months of heavy use.
This can be caused by dirty filters, blocked vents, low refrigerant, or duct issues. Regular maintenance helps prevent these problems and ensures consistent cooling throughout your home. Learn more about why your HVAC isn’t blowing cold air.
Absolutely. Smart thermostats optimize cooling schedules, save energy, and reduce wear on your AC—perfect for the variable temperatures and sunny climate in Orange County.