Top 10 Tips to Prevent Air Conditioning Problems
There’s absolutely nothing worse than dealing with a broken air conditioner in a heatwave. The first signs of an impending breakdown may be subtle—unusual noises, odd smells or reduced cooling. Before you know it, these small issues grow into full-blown malfunctions. However, with a bit of forethought and scheduled maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running properly. Here are 10 tricks to prevent AC trouble this summer.
1. Replace the Air Filter Regularly
One easy yet effective tip is to examine the air filter each month and replace it when it appears dirty, going no more than 90 days between filter changes. A clean filter promotes smooth airflow, elevates indoor air quality and improves air conditioning efficiency. An overused or dirty filter, on the other hand, causes your AC to work more than it ought to, which might contribute to breakdowns.
2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Unobstructed
The outside AC unit needs adequate space to intake and exhaust air easily. On a regular basis check the area around the unit, removing loose debris like leaves, grass clippings or twigs. Then, cut back any vegetation growing within 12 inches of the unit. These steps can prevent AC problems and improve optimal performance.
3. Check the Condensate Drain Pan
An air conditioner doesn’t just cool the air—it also removes unwanted humidity. This moisture collects in the condensate drain pan and then moves down the drain line. These components can become clogged over time, causing leaks and increasing the likelihood of water damage. Routinely check the drain pan and line for blockages to avert these AC issues.
4. Listen for Strange Noises or Smells
Your air conditioner mostly runs with a soft, constant hum. If you hear abnormal grinding, screeching or hissing, you can be pretty sure something’s not right. Similarly, if you detect unusual electrical burning smells or musty odors, it’s time to investigate. These issues can be a sign of 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 forms pressure imbalances and lowers system efficiency. To prevent 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 boost your air conditioner’s operation and prevent problems. Once you program your temperature schedule, you can sit back and chill out while your thermostat does the rest. Smart models are even more effective, allowing you to check and adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere or even manage the settings with your voice.
7. Check Your Attic Insulation
Air conditioning efficiency doesn’t just depend on the unit’s mechanics. Adequate insulation is also crucial for maintaining a comfortable interior, preventing 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 determine if the floor is covered with a thick, even layer of insulation. If not, you may have to add more insulation to enjoy noticeable energy savings and prevent stressing 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 you can, cook and do laundry in the evening or early morning to minimize unnecessary AC activity. When brainstorming what you’re going to cook for dinner in the summer, consider 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 conditioner, it can certainly accentuate it. Ceiling fans produce 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, lowering the workload on your air conditioner and potentially preventing AC problems. Just remember to power down the fan when you leave the room. That’s 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 locating and fixing little issues before they turn into serious problems. A yearly check by a skilled HVAC technician prepares your air conditioner for summer, saving you from inconvenient breakdowns and expensive repairs by making sure your AC is working efficiently.
Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Air Conditioner Service in Fort Lauderdale
Now that you know the top tips to avoid air conditioner 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, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning has you covered. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive 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.
