Top 10 Tips to Prevent Air Conditioning Problems

There’s practically nothing worse than having to deal with a broken air conditioner in the middle of a heatwave. The initial signs of an impending breakdown may be discreet—strange noises, odd smells or decreased cooling. Before you know it, these small issues intensify into full-blown system failures. However, with a touch of forethought and routine maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running properly. Here are 10 tricks to prevent AC problems 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, increases indoor air quality and improves air conditioning efficiency. An overused or dirty filter, on the other hand, forces your AC to work harder than it should, which may result in breakdowns.

2.  Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Unobstructed

The exterior AC unit needs adequate 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, trim back all the vegetation growing within 12 inches of the unit. These steps can prevent AC problems and encourage optimal performance.

3.  Check the Condensate Drain Pan

Air conditioning doesn’t simply cool the air—it also takes out unwanted humidity. This moisture collects in the condensate drain pan and then runs down the drain line. These elements can get obstructed over time, causing leaks and increasing the likelihood of water damage. Regularly check the drain pan and line for blockages to avert these AC issues.

4.  Listen for Strange Noises or Smells

Your air conditioner mostly functions with a soft, consistent hum. If you hear strange grinding, screeching or hissing, you can be relatively certain something’s amiss. Similarly, if you detect odd electrical burning smells or musty odors, it’s time to investigate. These issues can be a sign of several different 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 like a good idea, doing so creates pressure imbalances and reduces system efficiency. To deter 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 boost your air conditioning system’s operation and minimize problems. Once you program your cooling and heating schedule, you can sit back and relax while your thermostat does the heavy lifting. Smart models are even more advanced, 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 conditioning efficiency doesn’t just 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 quickest 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 need to add more insulation to enjoy substantial energy savings and prevent straining 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 considerably increases your AC unit’s workload. When possible, cook and do laundry in the evening or early morning to decrease unnecessary AC activity. When brainstorming what you’re going to cook for dinner in the summer, consider 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 absolutely complement it. Ceiling fans create 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 AC system and potentially eliminating AC problems. Just remember to switch off the fan when you walk out of the room. The reason for this is because the wind chill effect cools people, but it doesn’t reduce 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 intensify into serious problems. An annual check by a knowledgeable HVAC technician prepares your air conditioner for summer, saving you from inconvenient breakdowns and pricey repairs by making sure your AC is working efficiently.

Contact A1 Chesney Service Experts for Air Conditioner Service in Calgary

Now that you know the top tips 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 routine tune-up or emergency AC repair, A1 Chesney Service Experts has you covered. We are focused on providing comprehensive and efficient maintenance, repairs and installations to meet all your cooling needs. For reliable AC services in your area, call 587-315-5271 today to schedule an appointment with the Experts at A1 Chesney Service Experts.

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