There’s almost nothing worse than having to face a broken air conditioner during a heatwave. The first signs of an impending breakdown may be understated—weird noises, odd smells or decreased cooling. Before you know it, these seemingly slight issues grow into full-blown system failures. However, with a small amount of forethought and scheduled maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running effortlessly. Here are 10 tricks to prevent AC problems 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 when it gets 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, forces your AC to work overtime, which could cause breakdowns.
2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Unobstructed
The exterior AC unit needs sufficient space to intake and exhaust air easily. Routinely check the area around the unit, removing loose debris like leaves, grass clippings or sticks. Then, trim back all plants growing within 12 inches of the unit. These strategies can avert AC problems and encourage optimal performance.
3. Check the Condensate Drain Pan
Air conditioning doesn’t only cool the air—it also takes out extra humidity. This moisture is collected in the condensate drain pan and then runs down the drain line. These components can get obstructed over time, causing leaks and increasing the likelihood of water damage. Regularly inspect the drain pan and line for blockages to avert these AC issues.
4. Listen for Strange Noises or Smells
Your air conditioner for the most part operates with a soft, constant hum. If you hear unusual grinding, screeching or hissing, you can be relatively certain something’s wrong. 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 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 prevent cooling system problems, keep at least 80 percent of your return and supply vents open and unblocked by furniture, rugs and curtains.
6. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are intuitive devices that maximize your AC’s operation and prevent problems. Once you program your preferred schedule, you can sit back and unwind while your thermostat does the heavy lifting. Smart models are even more effective, 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 conditioning efficiency doesn’t only depend on the unit’s mechanics. Proper insulation is also essential for maintaining a comfortable interior, stopping 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 peek 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 want to add more insulation to enjoy significant energy savings and prevent stressing 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 you can, cook and do laundry in the evening or early morning to decrease99 unnecessary 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 AC unit, it can definitely work in conjunction with it. Ceiling fans produce 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, lowering the workload on your air conditioner and potentially eliminating 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 practical118 measure aimed at finding and fixing minor issues before they turn into serious problems. A once yearly check by a knowledgeable HVAC technician prepares your air conditioner for summer, saving you from annoying breakdowns and pricey repairs by making sure your AC is working efficiently.
Contact Rob's Albertan Service Experts for Air Conditioner Service in Edmonton
Now that you know the top ways 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 preventative tune-up or emergency air conditioner repair, Rob's Albertan Service Experts has you covered. We are focused on providing thorough and efficient maintenance, repairs and installations to fulfill all your cooling needs. For reliable AC services in your area, call 780-800-9047 today to schedule an appointment with the Experts at Rob's Albertan Service Experts.