Top 10 Tips to Prevent Air Conditioning Problems
There’s practically nothing worse than having to deal with a broken air conditioner during a heatwave. The first signs of an impending breakdown may be underprovinced—strange noises, odd smells or reduced cooling. Before you know it, these minor issues escalate into full-blown system failures. However, with a touch of preparation and regular maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running smoothly. Here are 10 tricks to protect against AC problems this summer.
1. Replace the Air Filter Regularly
One simple yet effective tip is to examine 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, improves indoor air quality and improves air conditioning efficiency. An overused or dirty filter, on the other hand, forces your AC to work more than it ought to, which might contribute to breakdowns.
2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Unobstructed
The outside AC unit needs enough space to intake and exhaust air successfully. Regularly check the area around the unit, removing loose debris like leaves, grass clippings or pine cones. Then, cut back all vegetation growing within 12 inches of the unit. These steps can minimize AC problems and promote optimal performance.
3. Check the Condensate Drain Pan
The AC doesn’t only cool the air—it also extracts excess humidity. This moisture drips into the condensate drain pan and then moves down the drain line. These components can become clogged over time, causing leaks and possible water damage. Regularly look at the drain pan and line for blockages to avert these AC issues.
4. Listen for Strange Noises or Smells
Your air conditioner typically operates with a soft, consistent hum. If you hear strange grinding, screeching or hissing, you can be pretty sure something’s wrong. Similarly, if you sniff out odd electrical burning smells or musty odors, it’s time to take a closer look at your air conditioner. These issues can be a sign of various AC problems, including motor damage or mold growth, and must be addressed right away.
5. Keep Your Vents Open
While closing vents in vacant rooms may seem wise, doing so forms pressure imbalances and lowers 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 optimize your AC’s operation and prevent problems. Once you program your temperature 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 control the settings with your voice.
7. Check Your Attic Insulation
Air conditioning efficiency doesn’t just depend on the unit’s mechanics. The right amount of insulation is also essential for maintaining a comfortable interior, stopping warm air from seeping in and cold air escaping. The attic is the best place to add insulation to an existing home, so glance inside the hatch to find out 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 substantial energy savings and prevent straining 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 you can, 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, 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 conditioner, it can certainly work in conjunction with 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 AC system and potentially eliminating AC problems. Just remember to turn off the fan when you leave the space. 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. An annual check by a qualified HVAC technician prepares your air conditioner for summer, saving you from inconvenient breakdowns and costly 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 strategies to prevent AC 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 AC repair, Rob's Albertan Service Experts has you covered. We are focused on providing thorough and efficient maintenance, repairs and installations to cover 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.
