Top 10 Tips to Prevent Air Conditioning Problems

There’s almost nothing worse than having to face a broken air conditioner during a heatwave. The earliest signs of an impending breakdown may be subtle—unusual noises, odd smells or diminished cooling. Before you know it, these small issues escalate into full-blown system failures. However, with a small amount of planning and regular 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 check the air filter every 30 days and replace it when it gets dirty, going no more than 90 days between filter changes. A clean filter encourages smooth airflow, elevates indoor air quality and improves air conditioning efficiency. A plugged or dirty filter, on the other hand, forces your AC to work overtime, which could cause breakdowns.

2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Unobstructed

The outdoor AC unit needs sufficient space to intake and exhaust air effectively. Routinely check the area around the unit, removing loose debris like leaves, grass clippings or pine cones. Then, cut back all the shrubs growing within 12 inches of the unit. These strategies can prevent AC problems and encourage optimal performance.

3. Check the Condensate Drain Pan

Air conditioning doesn’t just cool the air—it also extracts excess humidity. This moisture drips into the condensate drain pan and then runs down the drain line. These components can get obstructed over time, causing leaks and possible water damage. Routinely check 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 functions with a soft, steady hum. If you hear unusual grinding, screeching or hissing, you can be relatively certain something’s not right. Similarly, if you notice strange electrical burning smells or musty odors, it’s time to investigate. These issues can be a sign of a number of AC problems, including motor damage or mold growth, and need to be addressed right away.

5. Keep Your Vents Open

While closing vents in vacant rooms may seem like a good idea, doing so forms pressure imbalances and lowers system efficiency. To avoid cooling system 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 air conditioning system's operation and reduce the chance of problems. Once you program your preferred schedule, you can sit back and chill out while your thermostat does the heavy lifting. 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 merely depend on the unit’s mechanics. Proper insulation is also vital for maintaining a comfortable interior, blocking warm air from seeping in and cold air getting out of your home. The attic is the best place to add insulation to an existing home, so peek 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 substantial energy savings and prevent stressing your AC.

8. Avoid Heat-Generating Activities in the Afternoon

Using the oven, stove or clothes dryer when the sun is blazing significantly increases your AC unit’s workload. When possible, cook and do laundry in the evening or early morning to decrease99 excess AC activity. When planning dinner in the summer, give consideration to 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 conditioning system, it can absolutely accentuate it. Ceiling fans produce 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, lowering the workload on your air conditioner and potentially eliminating AC problems. Just remember to power down the fan when you exit the area. After all, 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 practical118 measure aimed at locating and fixing minor issues before they escalate into serious problems. A yearly check by a knowledgeable HVAC technician prepares your air conditioner for summer, saving you from inconvenient breakdowns and expensive repairs by making certain your AC is working at its best.

Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Air Conditioner Service in Canada

Now that you know the top ways to prevent air conditioner problems, you can follow these steps to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long. Whether you need to schedule a preventative tune-up or emergency air conditioner repair, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning has you covered. We are focused on providing complete and efficient maintenance, repairs and installations to fulfill 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.