Top 10 Tips to Prevent Air Conditioning Problems

There’s absolutely nothing worse than dealing with a broken air conditioner in the middle of a heatwave. The earliest signs of an upcoming breakdown may be subtle—strange noises, odd smells or decreased cooling. Before you know it, these small issues escalate into full-blown breakdowns. However, with a small amount of forethought and scheduled maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running properly. Here are 10 tricks to avoid AC issues this summer.

1.  Replace the Air Filter Regularly

One simple yet effective tip is to examine the air filter every 30 days and replace it when it appears dirty, going no more than 90 days between filter changes. A clean filter facilitates smooth airflow, improves indoor air quality and enhances air conditioning efficiency. An overused or dirty filter, on the other hand, makes your AC work harder than it should, which may result in breakdowns.

2.  Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Unobstructed

The outside AC unit needs adequate space to intake and exhaust air successfully. Routinely check the area around the unit, removing loose debris like leaves, grass clippings or sticks. Then, trim back all the vegetation growing within 12 inches of the unit. These actions can minimize AC problems and encourage optimal performance.

3.  Check the Condensate Drain Pan

The AC doesn’t simply cool the air—it also takes out unwanted humidity. This moisture is collected in the condensate drain pan and then flows down the drain line. These two things can become clogged over time, causing leaks and possible water damage. Routinely look at 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 operates with a soft, consistent hum. If you hear strange grinding, screeching or hissing, you can be relatively certain something’s wrong. Similarly, if you notice unusual electrical burning smells or musty odors, it’s time to take a closer look at your air conditioner. These issues can indicate several different AC problems, including motor damage or mold growth, and should be addressed quickly.

5.  Keep Your Vents Open

While closing vents in empty rooms may seem like a good idea, doing so makes pressure imbalances and reduces system efficiency. To avoid AC problems, keep at least 80 percent of your return and supply vents open and unblocked by furniture, rugs and curtains.

6.  Install a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are intuitive devices that enhance your air conditioning system’s operation and reduce the chance of problems. Once you program your preferred schedule, you can sit back and unwind while your thermostat does the rest. Smart models are even more effective, allowing you to check and adjust your home’s temperature remotely or even control the settings with your voice.

7.  Check Your Attic Insulation

Air conditioner efficiency doesn’t only involve the unit’s mechanics. Adequate insulation is also vital for maintaining a comfortable interior, blocking warm air from seeping in and cold air getting out of your home. The attic is the simplest 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 stressing 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 feasible, cook and do laundry in the evening or early morning to minimize excess AC activity. When brainstorming what you’re going to cook for dinner in the summer, give consideration to reheating leftovers in the microwave, eating uncooked 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 AC unit, it can definitely accentuate it. Ceiling fans produce a wind chill effect that makes your room feel about 4 degrees cooler. This added 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 power down the fan when you walk out of the room. After all, the wind chill effect cools people, but it doesn’t bring down the temperature in the room.

10. Schedule Annual AC Maintenance

Regular AC tune-ups are a preventative measure aimed at identifying and fixing minor issues before they intensify into serious problems. A once yearly check by a knowledgeable HVAC technician prepares your air conditioner for summer, saving you from annoying 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 strategies to protect against air conditioning 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 AC repair, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing has you covered. We are focused on providing complete 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.