Top 10 Tips to Prevent Air Conditioning Problems
There’s practically nothing worse than having to deal with a broken air conditioner in a heatwave. The initial signs of an upcoming breakdown may be subtle—weird noises, odd smells or diminished cooling. Before you know it, these small issues intensify into full-blown system failures. However, with a bit of planning and regular maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running efficiently. Here are 10 tips to protect against AC trouble 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 promotes smooth airflow, improves indoor air quality and improves air conditioning efficiency. A plugged or dirty filter, on the other hand, causes your AC to work more than it ought to, which could cause breakdowns.
2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Unobstructed
The outside AC unit needs sufficient space to intake and exhaust air successfully. Regularly check the area around the unit, removing loose debris like leaves, grass clippings or twigs. Then, prune any vegetation growing within 12 inches of the unit. These steps can avert AC problems and improve optimal performance.
3. Check the Condensate Drain Pan
The AC doesn’t only cool the air—it also takes out unwanted humidity. This moisture is collected in the condensate drain pan and then runs down the drain line. These elements can become blocked over time, causing leaks and increasing the likelihood of water damage. Regularly look at the drain pan and line for leakage to avert these AC issues.
4. Listen for Strange Noises or Smells
Your air conditioner mostly operates with a soft, steady hum. If you hear abnormal grinding, screeching or hissing, you can be pretty sure something’s wrong. Similarly, if you detect odd electrical burning smells or musty odors, it’s time to take a closer look at your air conditioner. These issues can suggest several different 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 sensible, doing so forms pressure imbalances and decreases system efficiency. To deter AC 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 optimize your air conditioner’s operation and minimize problems. Once you program your preferred schedule, you can sit back and relax while your thermostat does the rest. Smart models are even more advanced, 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. Proper insulation is also essential for maintaining a comfortable interior, stopping 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 find out if the floor is covered with a thick, even layer of insulation. If not, you may want to add more insulation to enjoy significant energy savings and prevent overloading your AC.
8. Avoid Heat-Generating Activities in the Afternoon
Using the oven, stove or clothes dryer at the hottest time of the day significantly increases your AC unit’s workload. When feasible, cook and do laundry in the evening or early morning to cut down on excess AC activity. When planning 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 air conditioner, 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 extra comfort lets you set your thermostat to a higher temperature, reducing the workload on your air conditioning system and potentially staving off AC problems. Just remember to power down the fan when you leave the space. 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 little 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 pricey repairs by making sure your AC is working optimally.
Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Air Conditioner Service in Calgary
Now that you know the top strategies to prevent air conditioning 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 conditioning repair, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning has you covered. We are committed to providing thorough and efficient maintenance, repairs and installations to meet all your cooling needs. For reliable AC services in your area, call 403-279-5760 today to schedule an appointment with the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.