Top 10 Tips to Prevent Air Conditioning Problems

There’s absolutely nothing worse than dealing with a broken air conditioner in a heatwave. The initial signs of an upcoming breakdown may be subtle—unusual noises, odd smells or decreased cooling. Before you know it, these minor issues intensify into full-blown breakdowns. However, with a bit of planning and scheduled maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running effortlessly. Here are 10 recommendations to prevent AC issues 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 gets dirty, going no more than 90 days between filter changes. A clean filter facilitates smooth airflow, improves indoor air quality and raises air conditioning efficiency. A plugged or dirty filter, on the other hand, causes your AC to work harder than it should, which could cause breakdowns.

2.  Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Unobstructed

The outdoor AC unit needs enough space to intake and exhaust air effectively. Regularly check the area around the unit, removing loose debris like leaves, grass clippings or twigs. 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

The AC doesn’t simply cool the air—it also takes out extra humidity. This moisture drips into 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. Routinely check the drain pan and line for leakage to avert these AC issues.

4.  Listen for Strange Noises or Smells

Your air conditioner typically runs with a soft, constant 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 investigate. These issues can suggest several different AC problems, including motor damage or mold growth, and need to be addressed quickly.

5.  Keep Your Vents Open

While closing vents in empty rooms may seem sensible, doing so forms pressure imbalances and reduces system efficiency. To deter 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 preferred schedule, you can sit back and unwind while your thermostat does the hard work. Smart models are even more sophisticated, allowing you to check and adjust your home’s temperature remotely or even change the settings with your voice.

7.  Check Your Attic Insulation

Air conditioner efficiency doesn’t only depend on the unit’s mechanics. Adequate insulation is also essential 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 glance inside the hatch to determine if the floor is covered with a thick, even layer of insulation. If it doesn’t, you may want to add more insulation to enjoy significant energy savings and prevent stressing your AC.

8.  Avoid Heat-Generating Activities in the Afternoon

Turning on the oven, stove or clothes dryer when the sun is at its peak dramatically increases your AC unit’s workload. When possible, cook and do laundry in the evening or early morning to minimize excess AC activity. When brainstorming what you’re going to cook for dinner in the summer, think about 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 generate a wind chill effect that makes a room feel about 4 degrees cooler. This additional comfort lets you set your thermostat to a higher temperature, limiting the workload on your air conditioning system and potentially eliminating AC problems. Just remember to switch off the fan when you walk out of 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 identifying and fixing little issues before they turn into serious problems. A yearly check by a qualified HVAC technician prepares your air conditioner for summer, saving you from inconvenient breakdowns and expensive repairs by making certain your AC is working efficiently.

Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Air Conditioner Service in Fort Lauderdale

Now that you know the top ways to avoid 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 conditioning repair, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning has you covered. We are committed to providing thorough 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.