There’s absolutely nothing worse than dealing with a broken air conditioner during a heatwave. The earliest signs of an impending breakdown may be subtle—unusual noises, odd smells or decreased cooling. Before you know it, these small issues grow into full-blown breakdowns. However, with a touch of preparation and scheduled maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running smoothly. Here are 10 recommendations to protect against AC trouble this summer.
1. Replace the Air Filter Regularly
One easy yet effective tip is to check the air filter every 30 days and replace it when it appears dirty, going no more than 90 days between filter changes. A clean filter encourages smooth airflow, improves indoor air quality and improves air conditioning efficiency. An overused or dirty filter, on the other hand, causes your AC to work overtime, which could cause breakdowns.
2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Unobstructed
The exterior AC unit needs adequate space to intake and exhaust air easily. Routinely check the area around the unit, removing loose debris like leaves, grass clippings or pine cones. Then, prune all the vegetation growing within 12 inches of the unit. These steps can prevent AC problems and encourage optimal performance.
3. Check the Condensate Drain Pan
The AC doesn’t only cool the air—it also takes out unwanted humidity. This moisture collects in the condensate drain pan and then runs down the drain line. These elements can get obstructed over time, causing leaks and increasing the likelihood of water damage. Periodically 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, constant hum. If you hear strange grinding, screeching or hissing, you can bet 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 a number of AC problems, including motor damage or mold growth, and need to be addressed promptly.
5. Keep Your Vents Open
While closing vents in vacant rooms may seem wise, doing so forms pressure imbalances and lowers system efficiency. To prevent air conditioning problems, keep at least 80 percent of your return and supply vents open and free of obstruction by furniture, rugs and curtains.
6. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are intuitive devices that boost your air conditioner's operation and reduce the chance of problems. Once you program your preferred schedule, you can sit back and unwind while your thermostat does the rest. Smart models are even more sophisticated, allowing you to check and adjust your home’s temperature when you aren't home or even manage the settings with your voice.
7. Check Your Attic Insulation
Air conditioner efficiency doesn’t just entail the unit’s mechanics. The right amount of insulation is also essential 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 look 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
Operating the oven, stove or clothes dryer when the sun is at its peak dramatically increases your AC unit’s workload. When possible, cook and do laundry in the evening or early morning to minimize99 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 absolutely work in conjunction with it. Ceiling fans generate a wind chill effect that makes a 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 walk out of the room. The reason for this is because the wind chill effect cools people, but it doesn’t lower the temperature in the room.
10. Schedule Annual AC Maintenance
Regular AC tune-ups are a proactive measure aimed at finding 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 undesirable breakdowns and costly repairs by making certain your AC is working at its best.
Contact Komfort Air Service Experts for Air Conditioner Service in Charlotte
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 routine tune-up or emergency AC repair, Komfort Air Service Experts has you covered. We are committed to providing comprehensive and efficient maintenance, repairs and installations to fulfill all your cooling needs. For reliable AC services in your area, call 704-705-8135 today to schedule an appointment with the Experts at Komfort Air Service Experts.