Top 10 Tips to Prevent Air Conditioning Problems
There’s almost nothing worse than having to deal with a broken air conditioner in a heatwave. The initial signs of an upcoming breakdown may be discreet—weird noises, odd smells or diminished cooling. Before you know it, these small issues escalate into full-blown malfunctions. However, with a small amount of preparation and regular maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running smoothly. Here are 10 tips to protect against AC trouble this summer.
1. Replace the Air Filter Regularly
One basic yet effective tip is to look at 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, increases indoor air quality and raises air conditioning efficiency. A clogged or dirty filter, on the other hand, causes your AC to work overtime, which may result in breakdowns.
2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Unobstructed
The outdoor 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 pine cones. Then, trim back all the vegetation growing within 12 inches of the unit. These strategies can avert AC problems and improve optimal performance.
3. Check the Condensate Drain Pan
An air conditioner doesn’t only cool the air—it also takes out excess humidity. This moisture collects in the condensate drain pan and then runs down the drain line. These two things can get obstructed over time, causing leaks and potential water damage. Regularly check the drain pan and line for leakage to avert these AC issues.
4. Listen for Strange Noises or Smells
Your air conditioner typically functions with a soft, steady hum. If you hear strange grinding, screeching or hissing, you can be relatively certain something’s amiss. Similarly, if you detect strange electrical burning smells or musty odors, it’s time to take a closer look at your air conditioner. These issues can indicate various AC problems, including motor damage or mold growth, and need to be addressed right away.
5. Keep Your Vents Open
While closing vents in unused rooms may seem wise, doing so creates pressure imbalances and reduces system efficiency. To prevent AC 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 AC’s operation and reduce the chance of problems. Once you program your temperature schedule, you can sit back and relax while your thermostat does the hard work. 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
AC efficiency doesn’t simply depend on the unit’s mechanics. Adequate insulation is also vital for maintaining a comfortable interior, preventing warm air from seeping in and cold air leaking out. 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 not, you may need to add more insulation to enjoy significant energy savings and prevent overloading your AC.
8. Avoid Heat-Generating Activities in the Afternoon
Turning on the oven, stove or clothes dryer at the hottest time of the day significantly increases your AC unit’s workload. When you can, cook and do laundry in the evening or early morning to cut down on unneeded AC activity. When preparing 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 definitely work in conjunction with it. Ceiling fans create a wind chill effect that makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler. This additional comfort lets you set your thermostat to a higher temperature, lowering the workload on your air conditioning system and potentially staving off AC problems. Just remember to power down the fan when you exit the space. The reason for this is 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 proactive measure aimed at finding and fixing little issues before they turn into serious problems. An annual check by a skilled HVAC technician prepares your air conditioner for summer, saving you from undesirable breakdowns and expensive repairs by making sure your AC is working at its best.
Contact Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts for Air Conditioner Service in Windsor
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 regular tune-up or emergency air conditioner repair, Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts 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 226-773-3357 today to schedule an appointment with the Experts at Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts.