Top 10 Tips to Prevent Air Conditioning Problems

There’s practically nothing worse than dealing with a broken air conditioner during a heatwave. The first signs of an impending breakdown may be subtle—weird noises, odd smells or diminished cooling. Before you know it, these minor issues intensify into full-blown system failures. However, with a bit of preparation and regular maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running effortlessly. Here are 10 tricks to protect against AC trouble this summer.

1.  Replace the Air Filter Regularly

One simple yet effective tip is to look at the air filter each month and replace it if it’s dirty, going no more than 90 days between filter changes. A clean filter encourages smooth airflow, increases indoor air quality and raises air conditioning efficiency. An overused or dirty filter, on the other hand, causes your AC to work more than it ought to, 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 pine cones. Then, trim back all vegetation growing within 12 inches of the unit. These actions can prevent 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 drips into the condensate drain pan and then moves down the drain line. These elements can become blocked over time, causing leaks and potential water damage. Periodically check the drain pan and line for clogs to avert these AC issues.

4.  Listen for Strange Noises or Smells

Your air conditioner typically operates with a soft, consistent hum. If you hear unusual grinding, screeching or hissing, you can be pretty sure something’s wrong. Similarly, if you notice odd electrical burning smells or musty odors, it’s time to investigate. These issues can be a sign of several different AC problems, including motor damage or mold growth, and must be addressed right away.

5.  Keep Your Vents Open

While closing vents in unused rooms may seem like a good idea, doing so forms pressure imbalances and reduces system efficiency. To deter air conditioning problems, keep at least 80 percent of your return and supply vents open and clear of furniture, rugs and curtains.

6.  Install a Programmable Thermostat

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

7.  Check Your Attic Insulation

Air conditioner efficiency doesn’t just involve the unit’s mechanics. Proper insulation is also crucial for maintaining a comfortable interior, preventing warm air from seeping in and cold air leaking out. The attic is the simplest place to add insulation to an existing home, so glance inside the hatch to see 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 straining your AC.

8.  Avoid Heat-Generating Activities in the Afternoon

Using the oven, stove or clothes dryer when the sun is blazing considerably increases your AC unit’s workload. When you can, cook and do laundry in the evening or early morning to decrease needless AC activity. When preparing dinner in the summer, think about 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 absolutely work in conjunction with it. Ceiling fans generate 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, reducing the workload on your air conditioning system and potentially eliminating AC problems. Just remember to power down the fan when you walk out of the room. The reason for this is 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 preventative measure aimed at finding and fixing minor issues before they escalate into serious problems. A yearly check by a skilled HVAC technician prepares your air conditioner for summer, saving you from annoying breakdowns and pricey repairs by making certain your AC is working efficiently.

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

Now that you know the top strategies to avoid air conditioner 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 committed to providing thorough and efficient maintenance, repairs and installations to fulfill 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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