Top 10 Tips to Prevent Air Conditioning Problems
There’s almost nothing worse than dealing with a broken air conditioner in the middle of a heatwave. The earliest signs of an imminent breakdown may be understated—weird noises, odd smells or diminished cooling. Before you know it, these small issues intensify into full-blown breakdowns. However, with a small amount of preparation and routine maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running properly. Here are 10 recommendations to avoid AC problems this summer.
1. Replace the Air Filter Regularly
One simple yet effective tip is to check the air filter monthly and replace it when it gets dirty, going no more than 90 days between filter changes. A clean filter promotes smooth airflow, elevates indoor air quality and enhances air conditioning efficiency. A plugged or dirty filter, on the other hand, makes your AC work more than it ought to, which may result in breakdowns.
2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Unobstructed
The exterior AC unit needs sufficient space to intake and exhaust air easily. Routinely check the area around the unit, removing loose debris like leaves, grass clippings or twigs. Then, prune all shrubs growing within 12 inches of the unit. These actions can avert AC problems and promote optimal performance.
3. Check the Condensate Drain Pan
Air conditioning doesn’t simply cool the air—it also removes unwanted humidity. This moisture drips into the condensate drain pan and then moves down the drain line. These two things can get obstructed over time, causing leaks and increasing the likelihood of water damage. Regularly check the drain pan and line for blockages to avert these AC issues.
4. Listen for Strange Noises or Smells
Your air conditioner typically functions with a soft, steady hum. If you hear abnormal grinding, screeching or hissing, you can bet something’s amiss. Similarly, if you notice unusual electrical burning smells or musty odors, it’s time to check on your AC. These issues can be a sign of a number of AC problems, including motor damage or mold growth, and should be addressed right away.
5. Keep Your Vents Open
While closing vents in vacant rooms may seem wise, doing so forms pressure imbalances and reduces system efficiency. To prevent cooling system 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 temperature schedule, you can sit back and chill out 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 change the settings with your voice.
7. Check Your Attic Insulation
AC efficiency doesn’t only 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 quickest place to add insulation to an existing home, so peek inside the hatch to find out if the floor is covered with a thick, even layer of insulation. If not, you may want to add more insulation to enjoy substantial energy savings and prevent straining your AC.
8. Avoid Heat-Generating Activities in the Afternoon
Operating the oven, stove or clothes dryer at the hottest time of the day significantly increases your AC unit’s workload. When you can, cook and do laundry in the evening or early morning to decrease unnecessary AC activity. When brainstorming what you’re going to cook for 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 absolutely work in conjunction with it. Ceiling fans create a wind chill effect that makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler. This extra 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 power down the fan when you leave 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 preventative measure aimed at finding and fixing little issues before they escalate into serious problems. A once yearly check by a skilled HVAC technician prepares your air conditioner for summer, saving you from undesirable breakdowns and costly 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 conditioner repair, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 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 954-736-4314 today to schedule an appointment with the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
