There’s absolutely nothing worse than dealing with a broken air conditioner in a heatwave. The earliest signs of an impending breakdown may be understated—unusual noises, odd smells or decreased cooling. Before you know it, these small issues grow into full-blown system failures. However, with a bit of forethought and scheduled maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running smoothly. Here are 10 tips to avoid AC issues this summer.
1. Replace the Air Filter Regularly
One basic yet effective tip is to examine the air filter monthly and replace it when it gets dirty, going no more than 90 days between filter changes. A clean filter promotes smooth airflow, improves indoor air quality and enhances air conditioning efficiency. An overused or dirty filter, on the other hand, forces your AC to work more than it ought to, which could cause breakdowns.
2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Unobstructed
The exterior AC unit needs enough space to intake and exhaust air successfully. On a regular basis check the area around the unit, removing loose debris like leaves, grass clippings or sticks. Then, prune any shrubs growing within 12 inches of the unit. These steps can avert AC problems and promote optimal performance.
3. Check the Condensate Drain Pan
The AC doesn’t just cool the air—it also extracts unwanted 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 increasing the likelihood of water damage. Periodically check the drain pan and line for leakage to avert these AC issues.
4. Listen for Strange Noises or Smells
Your air conditioner for the most part operates with a soft, consistent hum. If you hear abnormal grinding, screeching or hissing, you can bet something’s amiss. 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 indicate several different AC problems, including motor damage or mold growth, and should be addressed promptly.
5. Keep Your Vents Open
While closing vents in vacant rooms may seem wise, doing so creates pressure imbalances and decreases system efficiency. To deter 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 enhance your air conditioner's operation and reduce the chance of problems. Once you program your cooling and heating 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 from anywhere or even change the settings with your voice.
7. Check Your Attic Insulation
Air conditioner efficiency doesn’t simply entail the unit’s mechanics. The right amount of insulation is also crucial for maintaining a comfortable interior, preventing warm air from seeping in and cold air escaping. The attic is the quickest place to add insulation to an existing home, so look 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 significant energy savings and prevent overloading your AC.
8. Avoid Heat-Generating Activities in the Afternoon
Operating 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 minimize99 needless 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 complement 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, lowering the workload on your air conditioning system and potentially staving off AC problems. Just remember to turn off the fan when you leave the room. 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 locating and fixing small issues before they turn into serious problems. An annual check by a qualified HVAC technician prepares your air conditioner for summer, saving you from annoying breakdowns and costly repairs by making sure your AC is working efficiently.
Contact Gordon's Service Experts for Air Conditioner Service in Oklahoma City
Now that you know the top ways to avoid 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, Gordon's Service Experts has you covered. We are committed to providing thorough and efficient maintenance, repairs and installations to cover all your cooling needs. For reliable AC services in your area, call 405-432-2197 today to schedule an appointment with the Experts at Gordon's Service Experts.