Top 10 Tips to Prevent Air Conditioning Problems

There’s absolutely nothing worse than dealing with a broken air conditioner in a heatwave. The earliest signs of an impending breakdown may be understated—strange noises, odd smells or diminished cooling. Before you know it, these seemingly slight issues intensify into full-blown breakdowns. However, with a small amount of preparation and scheduled maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running smoothly. Here are 10 recommendations to prevent AC trouble this summer.

1.  Replace the Air Filter Regularly

One easy yet effective tip is to examine the air filter each month and replace it when it appears dirty, going no more than 90 days between filter changes. A clean filter facilitates smooth airflow, increases indoor air quality and enhances air conditioning efficiency. An overused or dirty filter, on the other hand, forces your AC to work harder than it should, which could cause breakdowns.

2.  Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Unobstructed

The exterior AC unit needs adequate space to intake and exhaust air easily. Regularly check the area around the unit, removing loose debris like leaves, grass clippings or sticks. Then, prune all the shrubs growing within 12 inches of the unit. These steps can minimize AC problems and promote optimal performance.

3.  Check the Condensate Drain Pan

Air conditioning doesn’t only cool the air—it also takes out unwanted humidity. This moisture is collected in the condensate drain pan and then runs down the drain line. These elements can get obstructed over time, causing leaks and possible water damage. Routinely check the drain pan and line for blockages to avert these AC issues.

4.  Listen for Strange Noises or Smells

Your air conditioner for the most part functions with a soft, steady hum. If you hear strange grinding, screeching or hissing, you can bet something’s amiss. Similarly, if you notice strange electrical burning smells or musty odors, it’s time to take a closer look at your air conditioner. These issues can indicate various AC problems, including motor damage or mold growth, and need to be addressed promptly.

5.  Keep Your Vents Open

While closing vents in vacant rooms may seem sensible, doing so makes pressure imbalances and decreases system efficiency. To avoid cooling system problems, keep at least 80 percent of your return and supply vents open and free of obstruction by furniture, rugs and curtains.

6.  Install a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are intuitive devices that optimize your air conditioning system’s operation and reduce the chance of problems. Once you program your cooling and heating schedule, you can sit back and unwind while your thermostat does the heavy lifting. Smart models are even more sophisticated, allowing you to check and adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere or even control the settings with your voice.

7.  Check Your Attic Insulation

Air conditioner efficiency doesn’t merely depend on the unit’s mechanics. Proper insulation is also crucial for maintaining a comfortable interior, stopping warm air from seeping in and cold air escaping. The attic is the quickest place to add insulation to an existing home, so look inside the hatch to determine if the floor is covered with a thick, even layer of insulation. If it doesn’t, you may need to add more insulation to enjoy noticeable energy savings and prevent overloading your AC.

8.  Avoid Heat-Generating Activities in the Afternoon

Turning on the oven, stove or clothes dryer when the sun is at its peak dramatically increases your AC unit’s workload. When possible, cook and do laundry in the evening or early morning to decrease excess AC activity. When planning dinner in the summer, think about reheating leftovers in the microwave, eating cool meals like sandwiches and salads, or barbecuing outside on the backyard grill.

9.  Run a Ceiling Fan

While a ceiling fan can’t replace an air conditioning system, it can certainly work in conjunction with it. Ceiling fans produce a wind chill effect that makes your room feel about 4 degrees cooler. This extra comfort lets you set your thermostat to a higher temperature, lowering the workload on your air conditioner and potentially staving off AC problems. Just remember to turn off the fan when you walk out of the area. That’s because the wind chill effect cools people, but it doesn’t lower the temperature in the room.

10. Schedule Annual AC Maintenance

Regular AC tune-ups are a proactive measure aimed at finding and fixing little issues before they turn into serious problems. A once yearly check by a qualified HVAC technician prepares your air conditioner for summer, saving you from inconvenient breakdowns and expensive repairs by making sure your AC is working optimally.

Contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Air Conditioner Service in the U.S.

Now that you know the top tips to avoid AC problems, you can follow these steps to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long. Whether you need to schedule a regular tune-up or emergency air conditioning repair, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing has you covered. We are dedicated to providing thorough and efficient maintenance, repairs and installations to cover all your cooling needs. For reliable AC services in your area, call 866-397-3787 today to schedule an appointment with the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

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