There’s practically nothing worse than dealing with a broken air conditioner in a heatwave. The initial signs of an upcoming breakdown may be subtle—weird noises, odd smells or reduced cooling. Before you know it, these seemingly slight issues grow into full-blown breakdowns. However, with a touch of planning and scheduled maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running effortlessly. Here are 10 recommendations to prevent AC trouble this summer.
1. Replace the Air Filter Regularly
One easy yet effective tip is to look at the air filter monthly 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 improves air conditioning efficiency. A clogged or dirty filter, on the other hand, forces your AC to work overtime, which may result in breakdowns.
2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Unobstructed
The exterior 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 twigs. Then, trim back all the vegetation growing within 12 inches of the unit. These strategies can prevent AC problems and promote optimal performance.
3. Check the Condensate Drain Pan
The AC doesn’t simply cool the air—it also extracts unwanted humidity. This moisture drips into the condensate drain pan and then moves down the drain line. These components can become clogged 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 mostly runs with a soft, constant hum. If you hear abnormal 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 investigate. 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 unused rooms may seem wise, doing so creates pressure imbalances and reduces system efficiency. To avoid 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 enhance your AC's operation and prevent problems. Once you program your cooling and heating schedule, you can sit back and relax while your thermostat does the hard work. Smart models are even more effective, 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 conditioner efficiency doesn’t merely entail the unit’s mechanics. Adequate insulation is also essential for maintaining a comfortable interior, stopping warm air from seeping in and cold air leaking out. The attic is the quickest place to add insulation to an existing home, so peek inside the hatch to determine if the floor is covered with a thick, even layer of insulation. If it doesn't, you may want to add more insulation to enjoy significant energy savings and prevent straining your AC.
8. Avoid Heat-Generating Activities in the Afternoon
Operating 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 preparing dinner in the summer, consider 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 create 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, limiting the workload on your air conditioner and potentially eliminating AC problems. Just remember to power down the fan when you exit the area. That's because the wind chill effect cools people, but it doesn’t reduce the temperature in the room.
10. Schedule Annual AC Maintenance
Regular AC tune-ups are a practical measure aimed at identifying and fixing small issues before they intensify into serious problems. A yearly check by a qualified HVAC technician prepares your air conditioner for summer, saving you from annoying breakdowns and costly repairs by making sure your AC is working optimally.
Contact Service Experts for Air Conditioner Service in the U.S
Now that you know the top ways to prevent Air conditioner problems, you can follow these steps to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long. Whether you need to schedule a preventative tune-up or emergency AC repair, Service Experts has you covered. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive and efficient maintenance, repairs and installations to fulfill all your cooling needs. For reliable AC services in your area, call (866) 963-7996 today to schedule an appointment with the Experts at Service Experts.
