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 diminished cooling. Before you know it, these minor issues escalate into full-blown system failures. However, with a touch of preparation and routine maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running properly. Here are 10 recommendations to prevent AC issues this summer.
1. Replace the Air Filter Regularly
One basic yet effective tip is to check the air filter each month and replace it when it gets dirty, going no more than 90 days between filter changes. A clean filter facilitates smooth airflow, increases indoor air quality and enhances air conditioning efficiency. A plugged or dirty filter, on the other hand, makes your AC work overtime, which might contribute to breakdowns.
2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Unobstructed
The outside AC unit needs enough space to intake and exhaust air successfully. On a regular basis check the area around the unit, removing loose debris like leaves, grass clippings or pine cones. Then, prune all the shrubs growing within 12 inches of the unit. These strategies can avert AC problems and encourage optimal performance.
3. Check the Condensate Drain Pan
The AC doesn’t only cool the air—it also extracts unwanted humidity. This moisture drips into the condensate drain pan and then runs down the drain line. These components can become blocked over time, causing leaks and possible water damage. Routinely inspect the drain pan and line for clogs to avert these AC issues.
4. Listen for Strange Noises or Smells
Your air conditioner for the most part functions with a soft, consistent hum. If you hear strange grinding, screeching or hissing, you can be pretty sure something’s not right. Similarly, if you sniff out unusual electrical burning smells or musty odors, it’s time to investigate. These issues can suggest several different AC problems, including motor damage or mold growth, and need to be addressed right away.
5. Keep Your Vents Open
While closing vents in empty rooms may seem like a good idea, doing so makes pressure imbalances and reduces system efficiency. To avoid AC 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 enhance your AC’s operation and minimize problems. Once you program your cooling and heating schedule, you can sit back and unwind while your thermostat does the hard work. Smart models are even more effective, allowing you to check and adjust your home’s temperature remotely or even control the settings with your voice.
7. Check Your Attic Insulation
Air conditioning efficiency doesn’t merely entail the unit’s mechanics. The right amount of insulation is also crucial for maintaining a comfortable interior, preventing warm air from seeping in and cold air escaping. The attic is the simplest 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 that’s not the case, you may want to add more insulation to enjoy significant energy savings and prevent stressing your AC.
8. Avoid Heat-Generating Activities in the Afternoon
Using 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 decrease excess 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 air conditioning system, it can absolutely work in conjunction with it. Ceiling fans create a wind chill effect that makes your room feel about 4 degrees cooler. This additional comfort lets you set your thermostat to a higher temperature, lowering the workload on your air conditioner and potentially preventing AC problems. Just remember to power down the fan when you exit the area. After all, 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 finding and fixing little issues before they escalate into serious problems. An annual check by a knowledgeable HVAC technician prepares your air conditioner for summer, saving you from undesirable breakdowns and pricey repairs by making certain your AC is working at its best.
Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Air Conditioner Service in Fort Lauderdale
Now that you know the top tips 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 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.