Here Are 3 Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make

Being a homeowner is not something you just know how to do. It’s something you have to learn. Unfortunately, learning often comes in the form of trial and error.

At Cornerstone Pros, we believe smart homeowners are those who learn from their mistakes. But even smarter homeowners are those who learn from others’ mistakes. From guaranteeing flawless installations to delivering quick, reliable hot water heater repairs across the Tampa Bay area, our team is always looking out for you. That’s why we rounded up a few of the most common mistakes homeowners make in hopes that you don’t have to learn these lessons the hard way.

DON’T Operate Your HVAC System With a Dirty Air Filter

When was the last time you changed your HVAC system’s air filter? If it wasn’t within the last three months, you better get to it!

Your air filter prevents dust, dander and other particles from invading your home’s air as it cycles through your HVAC system. Eventually, though, your filter will get dirty and clogged. Continuing to operate your system with a dirty or clogged air filter makes it harder for your air conditioner or furnace to keep your home comfortable. This added stress takes a toll on your unit, leading to frequent problems or, even worse, a premature system replacement. It also causes your energy bills to spike and your air quality to take a nosedive.

Cleaning or replacing your air filter every three months will maximize your system’s operating efficiency. Plus, a new filter removes allergens and other particles more efficiently, which results in cleaner, healthier indoor air.

DON’T Ignore Your Drains Until They Become a Pain

Your drains require your attention long before they start moving slowly or become clogged. But how often should you clean them? That depends on the size of your household, the level of wear and tear on your drain and other factors. In general, we recommend professional drain cleaning annually. Providing your drains with the regular TLC they demand:

• Adds years to your drain’s lifespan
• Eliminates foul odors
• Prevents serious clogs and blockages
• Leads to faster drainage
• Catches small issues before they turn into costly repairs

DON’T Make These Mistakes When Operating Your AC Unit

Is your AC operating correctly? It sounds like a silly question, but many people are unknowingly making simple mistakes that have a major impact on how well their units are operating, such as:

• Setting the temperature lower than the desired temperature. We get it. You want your home to cool down faster. But setting your thermostat to a lower temperature won’t get it to your desired temperature any quicker. Your cooling system runs at the same rate until it reaches the desired temperature.
• Closing vents to cool certain rooms faster. Unfortunately, closing vents in unoccupied rooms doesn’t help cool other areas of your home faster nor does it reduce energy consumption. To run optimally, your air conditioner needs to cool your entire home. If you are looking to have more control over your comfort and your energy bills, consider a ductless mini-split.

DO Reach Out to Our Trusted Home Service Pros

At Cornerstone, we’re here to help make being a homeowner easier for you! How?  Easy—by providing expert advice you can count on, delivering a comprehensive menu of home services you can trust and so much more!

From repairing your air conditioner to installing a new electric water heater, Tampa residents in need of HVAC, electrical or plumbing service can fill out our online form or call us at 727.295.3099!