Top 10 Tips to Prevent Air Conditioning Problems
There’s practically nothing worse than having to face a broken air conditioner during a heatwave. The earliest signs of an impending breakdown may be discreet—strange noises, odd smells or reduced cooling. Before you know it, these seemingly slight issues intensify into full-blown malfunctions. However, with a bit of planning and scheduled maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running effortlessly. Here are 10 tricks to avoid AC issues this summer.
1. Replace the Air Filter Regularly
One easy 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, increases indoor air quality and enhances air conditioning efficiency. An overused or dirty filter, on the other hand, makes your AC work harder than it should, which may result in breakdowns.
2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Unobstructed
The outdoor AC unit needs enough space to intake and exhaust air effectively. Routinely check the area around the unit, removing loose debris like leaves, grass clippings or pine cones. Then, trim back all the vegetation growing within 12 inches of the unit. These actions can prevent AC problems and encourage optimal performance.
3. Check the Condensate Drain Pan
Air conditioning doesn’t only cool the air—it also extracts unwanted humidity. This moisture drips into the condensate drain pan and then flows down the drain line. These elements can get obstructed over time, causing leaks and potential water damage. Routinely look at 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 runs with a soft, steady hum. If you hear abnormal grinding, screeching or hissing, you can be pretty sure something’s not right. Similarly, if you sniff out odd electrical burning smells or musty odors, it’s time to investigate. These issues can indicate several different AC problems, including motor damage or mold growth, and should be addressed right away.
5. Keep Your Vents Open
While closing vents in empty rooms may seem wise, doing so creates pressure imbalances and decreases system efficiency. To avoid cooling system 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 maximize your air conditioning system’s operation and prevent problems. Once you program your preferred schedule, you can sit back and unwind 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 control the settings with your voice.
7. Check Your Attic Insulation
Air conditioner efficiency doesn’t just involve the unit’s mechanics. Adequate insulation is also crucial for maintaining a comfortable interior, blocking warm air from seeping in and cold air escaping. The attic is the best 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 overloading your AC.
8. Avoid Heat-Generating Activities in the Afternoon
Turning on the oven, stove or clothes dryer when the sun is blazing considerably increases your AC unit’s workload. When feasible, cook and do laundry in the evening or early morning to minimize unnecessary AC activity. When planning dinner in the summer, consider 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 accentuate it. Ceiling fans generate 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, limiting the workload on your AC system and potentially preventing AC problems. Just remember to turn off the fan when you exit the area. After all, 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 practical measure aimed at finding and fixing small issues before they turn into serious problems. A yearly check by a knowledgeable HVAC technician prepares your air conditioner for summer, saving you from inconvenient breakdowns and costly repairs by ensuring 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 ways to avoid AC problems, you can follow these steps to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long. Whether you need to schedule a routine tune-up or emergency air conditioner repair, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning has you covered. We are dedicated 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.