There’s almost nothing worse than having to face a broken air conditioner during a heatwave. The initial signs of an impending breakdown may be understated—weird noises, odd smells or diminished cooling. Before you know it, these small issues escalate into full-blown malfunctions. However, with a touch of planning and scheduled maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running effortlessly. Here are 10 tricks to prevent AC issues this summer.
1. Replace the Air Filter Regularly
One simple yet effective tip is to check the air filter monthly and replace it if it's dirty, going no more than 90 days between filter changes. A clean filter encourages smooth airflow, elevates indoor air quality and enhances air conditioning efficiency. A clogged or dirty filter, on the other hand, causes your AC to 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 pine cones. Then, trim back all the shrubs 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 just cool the air—it also extracts unwanted humidity. This moisture collects in the condensate drain pan and then runs down the drain line. These components can become blocked over time, causing leaks and increasing the likelihood of water damage. Regularly look at the drain pan and line for blockages to avert these AC issues.
4. Listen for Strange Noises or Smells
Your air conditioner typically operates with a soft, steady hum. If you hear strange grinding, screeching or hissing, you can be relatively certain something’s amiss. Similarly, if you sniff out strange electrical burning smells or musty odors, it’s time to take a closer look at your air conditioner. These issues can be a sign of several different AC problems, including motor damage or mold growth, and should be addressed quickly.
5. Keep Your Vents Open
While closing vents in vacant rooms may seem like a good idea, doing so creates 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 minimize problems. Once you program your preferred schedule, you can sit back and chill out while your thermostat does the hard work. Smart models are even more sophisticated, allowing you to check and adjust your home’s temperature when you aren't home or even change the settings with your voice.
7. Check Your Attic Insulation
Air conditioner efficiency doesn’t only involve the unit’s mechanics. Proper insulation is also essential for maintaining a comfortable interior, preventing warm air from seeping in and cold air escaping. The attic is the quickest place to add insulation to an existing home, so peek inside the hatch to see if the floor is covered with a thick, even layer of insulation. If it doesn't, you may have to add more insulation to enjoy substantial energy savings and prevent straining your AC.
8. Avoid Heat-Generating Activities in the Afternoon
Turning on the oven, stove or clothes dryer at the hottest time of the day significantly increases your AC unit’s workload. When possible, cook and do laundry in the evening or early morning to decrease99 unneeded AC activity. When preparing 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 absolutely complement it. Ceiling fans generate 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 AC system and potentially eliminating AC problems. Just remember to turn off the fan when you exit the space. The reason for this is because 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 practical118 measure aimed at identifying and fixing minor issues before they intensify into serious problems. An annual check by a knowledgeable HVAC technician prepares your air conditioner for summer, saving you from undesirable breakdowns and expensive repairs by ensuring your AC is working optimally.
Contact All American Air Service Experts for Air Conditioner Service in Daytona Beach
Now that you know the top ways 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 air conditioning repair, All American Air Service Experts has you covered. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive and efficient maintenance, repairs and installations to meet all your cooling needs. For reliable AC services in your area, call 386-310-2061 today to schedule an appointment with the Experts at All American Air Service Experts.