Top 10 Tips to Prevent Air Conditioning Problems

There’s absolutely nothing worse than dealing with a broken air conditioner during a heatwave. The first signs of an upcoming breakdown may be subtle—unusual noises, odd smells or reduced cooling. Before you know it, these minor issues intensify 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 prevent AC problems 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 gets dirty, going no more than 90 days between filter changes. A clean filter promotes smooth airflow, increases indoor air quality and enhances air conditioning efficiency. A plugged or dirty filter, on the other hand, makes your AC work overtime, which may result in breakdowns.

2.  Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Unobstructed

The exterior AC unit needs enough space to intake and exhaust air effectively. Regularly check the area around the unit, removing loose debris like leaves, grass clippings or twigs. Then, cut back any vegetation growing within 12 inches of the unit. These steps can prevent AC problems and promote optimal performance.

3.  Check the Condensate Drain Pan

The AC doesn’t only cool the air—it also removes unwanted 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 potential 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 runs with a soft, steady hum. If you hear unusual grinding, screeching or hissing, you can be pretty sure something’s amiss. Similarly, if you detect unusual electrical burning smells or musty odors, it’s time to investigate. These issues can indicate various AC problems, including motor damage or mold growth, and should be addressed right away.

5.  Keep Your Vents Open

While closing vents in unused rooms may seem wise, doing so creates pressure imbalances and reduces system efficiency. To prevent AC 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 optimize your air conditioning system’s operation and prevent problems. Once you program your preferred schedule, you can sit back and relax while your thermostat does the rest. Smart models are even more sophisticated, allowing you to check and adjust your home’s temperature when you aren’t home or even control the settings with your voice.

7.  Check Your Attic Insulation

AC efficiency doesn’t just involve the unit’s mechanics. Adequate insulation is also crucial for maintaining a comfortable interior, preventing warm air from seeping in and cold air escaping. The attic is the easiest 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 overloading your AC.

8.  Avoid Heat-Generating Activities in the Afternoon

Turning on the oven, stove or clothes dryer at the hottest time of the day considerably increases your AC unit’s workload. When possible, cook and do laundry in the evening or early morning to minimize unnecessary AC activity. When planning dinner in the summer, consider reheating leftovers in the microwave, eating cool 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 absolutely complement it. Ceiling fans produce a wind chill effect that makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler. This additional comfort lets you set your thermostat to a higher temperature, reducing the workload on your AC system and potentially staving off AC problems. Just remember to turn off the fan when you exit the room. 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 practical measure aimed at finding and fixing small issues before they intensify into serious problems. A yearly check by a qualified HVAC technician prepares your air conditioner for summer, saving you from undesirable breakdowns and expensive repairs by ensuring your AC is working optimally.

Contact Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air for Air Conditioner Service in San Antonio

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 preventative tune-up or emergency AC repair, Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air has you covered. We are committed to providing comprehensive and efficient maintenance, repairs and installations to meet all your cooling needs. For reliable AC services in your area, call 210-404-4233 today to schedule an appointment with the Experts at Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air.