Top 10 Tips to Prevent Air Conditioning Problems
There’s almost nothing worse than having to face a broken air conditioner in a heatwave. The earliest signs of an imminent breakdown may be discreet—strange noises, odd smells or decreased cooling. Before you know it, these small issues grow into full-blown breakdowns. However, with a small amount of preparation and regular maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running efficiently. Here are 10 tips to avoid AC issues this summer.
1. Replace the Air Filter Regularly
One simple yet effective tip is to check the air filter every 30 days and replace it when it appears dirty, going no more than 90 days between filter changes. A clean filter promotes smooth airflow, elevates indoor air quality and improves air conditioning efficiency. A clogged or dirty filter, on the other hand, causes your AC to work harder than it should, which might contribute to breakdowns.
2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Unobstructed
The outdoor AC unit needs adequate space to intake and exhaust air easily. Routinely check the area around the unit, removing loose debris like leaves, grass clippings or twigs. Then, prune all the shrubs growing within 12 inches of the unit. These actions can prevent AC problems and improve optimal performance.
3. Check the Condensate Drain Pan
An air conditioner doesn’t only cool the air—it also removes excess humidity. This moisture drips into the condensate drain pan and then flows down the drain line. These components can become clogged over time, causing leaks and increasing the likelihood of water damage. Regularly 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 runs with a soft, steady hum. If you hear strange grinding, screeching or hissing, you can be pretty sure something’s not right. Similarly, if you notice odd electrical burning smells or musty odors, it’s time to investigate. These issues can be a sign of a number of 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 like a good idea, doing so forms pressure imbalances and lowers system efficiency. To avoid 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 cooling and heating 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 from anywhere or even change the settings with your voice.
7. Check Your Attic Insulation
Air conditioner efficiency doesn’t simply depend on 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 getting out of your home. The attic is the simplest 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 noticeable 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 blazing dramatically increases your AC unit’s workload. When feasible, cook and do laundry in the evening or early morning to cut down on unneeded AC activity. When planning 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 air conditioning system, it can certainly accentuate it. Ceiling fans generate 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, reducing the workload on your air conditioner and potentially preventing 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 reduce the temperature in the room.
10. Schedule Annual AC Maintenance
Regular AC tune-ups are a preventative measure aimed at finding and fixing minor issues before they intensify into serious problems. A yearly check by a skilled HVAC technician prepares your air conditioner for summer, saving you from undesirable breakdowns and expensive repairs by making certain your AC is working optimally.
Contact Winnipeg Supply Service Experts for Air Conditioner Service in Winnipeg
Now that you know the top tips to protect against 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 conditioner repair, Winnipeg Supply Service Experts has you covered. We are committed to providing complete and efficient maintenance, repairs and installations to cover all your cooling needs. For reliable AC services in your area, call 204-800-0613 today to schedule an appointment with the Experts at Winnipeg Supply Service Experts.
