Top 10 Tips to Prevent Air Conditioning Problems
There’s absolutely nothing worse than having to face a broken air conditioner in a heatwave. The initial signs of an imminent breakdown may be understated—unusual noises, odd smells or decreased cooling. Before you know it, these small issues intensify into full-blown breakdowns. However, with a small amount of forethought and routine maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running effortlessly. Here are 10 tips to avoid AC trouble 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 if it’s dirty, going no more than 90 days between filter changes. A clean filter promotes smooth airflow, improves indoor air quality and enhances air conditioning efficiency. A clogged or dirty filter, on the other hand, forces your AC to work overtime, which could cause breakdowns.
2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Unobstructed
The exterior AC unit needs sufficient space to intake and exhaust air effectively. Regularly check the area around the unit, removing loose debris like leaves, grass clippings or sticks. Then, trim back all plants growing within 12 inches of the unit. These actions can avert AC problems and encourage optimal performance.
3. Check the Condensate Drain Pan
Air conditioning doesn’t just cool the air—it also extracts extra humidity. This moisture drips into the condensate drain pan and then moves down the drain line. These two things can become clogged over time, causing leaks and potential water damage. Regularly check the drain pan and line for clogs to avert these AC issues.
4. Listen for Strange Noises or Smells
Your air conditioner typically runs with a soft, steady hum. If you hear strange grinding, screeching or hissing, you can be pretty sure something’s amiss. Similarly, if you sniff out unusual 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 must 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 lowers system efficiency. To prevent air conditioning 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 boost your AC’s operation and prevent problems. Once you program your preferred schedule, you can sit back and unwind while your thermostat does the rest. Smart models are even more sophisticated, allowing you to check and adjust your home’s temperature when you aren’t home or even control the settings with your voice.
7. Check Your Attic Insulation
Air conditioning efficiency doesn’t simply entail the unit’s mechanics. Adequate insulation is also essential for maintaining a comfortable interior, blocking warm air from seeping in and cold air getting out of your home. The attic is the easiest place to add insulation to an existing home, so look inside the hatch to find out 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 significant energy savings and prevent overloading your AC.
8. Avoid Heat-Generating Activities in the Afternoon
Using the oven, stove or clothes dryer when the sun is at its peak significantly increases your AC unit’s workload. When possible, cook and do laundry in the evening or early morning to decrease excess AC activity. When preparing dinner in the summer, give consideration to reheating leftovers in the microwave, eating unheated 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 work in conjunction with it. Ceiling fans generate a wind chill effect that makes a room feel about 4 degrees cooler. This additional comfort lets you set your thermostat to a higher temperature, reducing the workload on your air conditioning system and potentially staving off AC problems. Just remember to turn off the fan when you leave the area. After all, 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 preventative measure aimed at identifying and fixing small issues before they escalate into serious problems. A yearly check by a knowledgeable HVAC technician prepares your air conditioner for summer, saving you from inconvenient breakdowns and pricey repairs by ensuring your AC is working optimally.
Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Air Conditioner Service in Fort Lauderdale
Now that you know the top tips to protect against 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 has you covered. We are dedicated to providing thorough and efficient maintenance, repairs and installations to meet all your cooling needs. For reliable AC services in your area, call 954-736-4314 today to schedule an appointment with the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
