How To Avoid Air Conditioner Breakdowns
The heat wave hitting the US means that air conditioners are going to be working overtime. When your system is stressed, it is more likely to break down, so we wanted to answer that important question- What Can I do to help AVOID air conditioner breakdowns and expensive repairs? There are some simple things you can do on your own to help your AC out. There are also some tasks you can hire a professional to perform.
We’ve worked with a lot of different styles and brands of air conditioners in the Hoffman Estates area. We have seen some air conditioners that break down all the time, and others that we service regularly that seldom seem to run into problems.
In this article, we will go over the ways you can help prevent your air conditioner from breaking down. If you do need a repair or service for your air conditioner, give us a call at (630) 504-8688 or contact us online. Our experts will be able to take a look at your system and let you know what’s wrong, and the best solution for making your home cool and comfortable!
11 Ways To Help Your Air Conditioner
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Change Your Air Filter Regularly
A clogged air filter makes your system work harder than it needs to, making it work less efficiently and increasing the wear and tear on the system. Changing the filter regularly will help keep your system operating efficiently, saving you money in electricity, repair bills, and will also increase your indoor air quality!
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Clean Your Outdoor Unit
Having good AC means having good airflow to your outdoor unit. Make sure it is clear of leaves and debris, and make sure to remove any plants that are closer than a foot or so away, to make sure there’s adequate air circulation.
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Listen For Warning Signs
A well maintained AC unit should run quietly. If you hear grinding, screeching or hissing- please give an experienced AC technician, like our team at Compass, a call.
Note Any Weird Smells
Just like odd noises, if your air smells off when the AC kicks on- musty, like old socks, or any other unusual smells, it’s likely that something is not working optimally, and you should call your local HVAC expert to get a system tune up and see what may be causing the problem, before it becomes a bigger issue.
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Check The Drain Pan
As your air conditioning system does its job, water and condensation drains out of your system- but that line can get clogged, so checking it for condition and keeping it clean and clear can help keep larger problems at bay.
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Keep your vents open and clear
We’ve all done it- plopped a laundry basket or dropped a bag over the air vents in your floors. When your vents are blocked, your AC has to work harder to keep air circulating and keep you comfortable, so keeping the vents clear is important to make sure your system isn’t working harder than it needs to.
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Use A Programmable Thermostat
Using a programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat can help you set AC schedules and help you from spending more money than needed to keep your home cool when it matters- when you are there! Some smart thermostats like Nest, will even send you a monthly email to tell you how you are doing in conserving energy. The newer smart thermostats also let you monitor your home temperature and you can alter the temperature even when you are away from home, to help minimize your energy use and maximize your savings.
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Insulate Your Attic
Proper attic insulation prevents heat from entering your home, reducing the workload on your AC. This also will help you spend less on heat during cooler months as well.
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Minimize Heat Gain
During hot afternoons, limit heat-generating activities like cooking or using the oven. This means in big heat waves like we anticipate this summer, consider grilling out or having a cold dinner- this will help keep your AC from having to counter the heat outside and heat inside at the same time!
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Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can help circulate cool air more effectively, allowing you to raise the thermostat a degree or two for additional energy savings.
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Schedule Annual Maintenance
A yearly professional checkup allows technicians to identify and address minor issues before they turn into major repairs. This helps make sure your system is working well before the heat hits, and keeps ahead of what could be more expensive repair bills with preventative maintenance.
At Compass Heating & Air, we know that a little bit of preventative maintenance helps greatly extend the life of your AC, and prevent issues that might arise- always when it’s really hot and your system is working hard and stressed. If you aren’t sure when your system was last checked and tuned up, give us a call and we can help make sure your system is ready for whatever Mother Nature dishes out this summer.
Our technicians can ssess your air conditioning system, and let you know whether you should repair it, replace it, or simply need a regular tune up. They can also inspect your ductwork to make sure your home is properly set up to stay comfortable. We look forward to helping you stay comfortable!