Top 10 Tips to Prevent Air Conditioning Problems

There’s almost nothing worse than having to deal with a broken air conditioner during a heatwave. The initial signs of an impending breakdown may be discreet—unusual noises, odd smells or diminished cooling. Before you know it, these small issues grow into full-blown malfunctions. However, with a small amount of forethought and scheduled maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running efficiently. Here are 10 tricks to prevent AC trouble this summer.

1.  Replace the Air Filter Regularly

One simple yet effective tip is to examine the air filter every 30 days and replace it if it’s dirty, going no more than 90 days between filter changes. A clean filter encourages smooth airflow, improves indoor air quality and raises air conditioning efficiency. A clogged or dirty filter, on the other hand, causes your AC to work more than it ought to, which may result in breakdowns.

2.  Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Unobstructed

The outside AC unit needs enough 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, trim back all plants growing within 12 inches of the unit. These strategies can minimize AC problems and promote optimal performance.

3.  Check the Condensate Drain Pan

An air conditioner doesn’t only cool the air—it also extracts unwanted humidity. This moisture is collected in the condensate drain pan and then moves down the drain line. These two things can get obstructed over time, causing leaks and possible water damage. Periodically 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, steady hum. If you hear abnormal grinding, screeching or hissing, you can be relatively certain something’s wrong. Similarly, if you detect odd electrical burning smells or musty odors, it’s time to check on your AC. These issues can indicate a number of AC problems, including motor damage or mold growth, and must be addressed quickly.

5.  Keep Your Vents Open

While closing vents in vacant rooms may seem like a good idea, doing so creates pressure imbalances and decreases system efficiency. To avoid 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 enhance your air conditioning system’s operation and reduce the chance of problems. Once you program your cooling and heating schedule, you can sit back and relax while your thermostat does the hard work. Smart models are even more effective, allowing you to check and adjust your home’s temperature when you aren’t home or even change the settings with your voice.

7.  Check Your Attic Insulation

AC efficiency doesn’t just entail the unit’s mechanics. Proper insulation is also vital for maintaining a comfortable interior, preventing warm air from seeping in and cold air getting out of your home. The attic is the easiest place to add insulation to an existing home, so look inside the hatch to determine if the floor is covered with a thick, even layer of insulation. If that’s not the case, you may need to add more insulation to enjoy significant energy savings and prevent straining your AC.

8.  Avoid Heat-Generating Activities in the Afternoon

Operating the oven, stove or clothes dryer when the sun is at its peak considerably increases your AC unit’s workload. When you can, cook and do laundry in the evening or early morning to decrease unneeded 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 air conditioner, it can definitely 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 eliminating AC problems. Just remember to turn off the fan when you leave the room. That’s because 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 escalate into serious problems. A yearly check by a skilled HVAC technician prepares your air conditioner for summer, saving you from inconvenient breakdowns and pricey repairs by making certain your AC is working at its best.

Contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Air Conditioner Service in the U.S.

Now that you know the top strategies 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 air conditioning repair, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing has you covered. We are focused on providing comprehensive and efficient maintenance, repairs and installations to meet all your cooling needs. For reliable AC services in your area, call 866-397-3787 today to schedule an appointment with the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

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