Top 10 Tips to Prevent Air Conditioning Problems
There’s absolutely nothing worse than dealing with a broken air conditioner during a heatwave. The initial signs of an impending breakdown may be subtle—weird noises, odd smells or decreased cooling. Before you know it, these seemingly slight issues grow into full-blown breakdowns. However, with a small amount of forethought and regular maintenance, you can keep your air conditioner running smoothly. Here are 10 tricks to prevent AC trouble this summer.
1. Replace the Air Filter Regularly
One simple yet effective tip is to check the air filter each month and replace it when it appears dirty, going no more than 90 days between filter changes. A clean filter facilitates smooth airflow, elevates indoor air quality and raises air conditioning efficiency. A clogged or dirty filter, on the other hand, makes your AC work harder than it should, which might contribute to breakdowns.
2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Unobstructed
The exterior AC unit needs adequate space to intake and exhaust air effectively. Routinely check the area around the unit, removing loose debris like leaves, grass clippings or sticks. Then, trim back all shrubs growing within 12 inches of the unit. These steps can avert AC problems and improve optimal performance.
3. Check the Condensate Drain Pan
Air conditioning doesn’t only cool the air—it also takes out unwanted humidity. This moisture is collected in the condensate drain pan and then moves down the drain line. These components can become clogged over time, causing leaks and increasing the likelihood of water damage. Periodically check the drain pan and line for clogs to avert these AC issues.
4. Listen for Strange Noises or Smells
Your air conditioner typically operates with a soft, steady hum. If you hear unusual grinding, screeching or hissing, you can bet something’s not right. Similarly, if you sniff out unusual 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 several different 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 sensible, doing so forms pressure imbalances and decreases system efficiency. To prevent air conditioning 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 enhance your air conditioning system's operation and minimize problems. Once you program your temperature 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 control 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, blocking warm air from seeping in and cold air leaking out. The attic is the quickest place to add insulation to an existing home, so peek inside the hatch to find out if the floor is covered with a thick, even layer of insulation. If that's not the case, you may need to add more insulation to enjoy significant energy savings and prevent straining your AC.
8. Avoid Heat-Generating Activities in the Afternoon
Operating the oven, stove or clothes dryer when the sun is blazing dramatically increases your AC unit’s workload. When possible, cook and do laundry in the evening or early morning to minimize99 unnecessary AC activity. When planning dinner in the summer, give consideration to reheating leftovers in the microwave, eating uncooked 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 work in conjunction with it. Ceiling fans create 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, limiting the workload on your air conditioner and potentially preventing AC problems. Just remember to power down the fan when you walk out of the room. That's 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 escalate into serious problems. An annual check by a qualified HVAC technician prepares your air conditioner for summer, saving you from annoying breakdowns and expensive repairs by making sure your AC is working efficiently.
Contact Winnipeg Supply Service Experts for Air Conditioner Service in Winnipeg
Now that you know the top tips to protect against 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 air conditioner repair, Winnipeg Supply 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 204-800-0613 today to schedule an appointment with the Experts at Winnipeg Supply Service Experts.
