Summer AC Maintenance Tips: Prevent Breakdowns with a Seasonal Tune-Up
Nobody wants to deal with an AC breakdown on a hot and humid day. Waiting for a professional AC repair can feel excruciating during a summer heat wave, and there’s a way to avoid this situation altogether.
Investing in AC maintenance before the temperatures start to climb is crucial. These essential tips can help make sure your AC unit is ready.
Clean The Air Filters
Clogged or dirty air filters can cause poor airflow and energy efficiency. Dirty air filters make units work harder to push cold air into the house, making them more likely to break down. Clean reusable air filters before you use the unit. If you don’t have reusable air filters, purchase new ones.
Test The Thermostat
Always test the thermostat before it gets hot. Turn the temperature down as low as possible to encourage the AC unit to kick on. Ensure you do this during Spring when the weather is just getting warmer so the unit will turn on.
Contact professionals if you know the temperature is warm enough for the AC to kick on, but it’s not, as you may need professional a AC repair.
Check For These Warning Signs
When it does kick on, keep an eye out for signs that something may be wrong with the unit. Common warning signs include:
Uneven Cooling
Poor air flow, clogged ducts, or using a unit that is too small often cause an uneven temperature.
Warm Air
Warm air blowing from the vents indicates it may need new refrigerant, AC repair, or replacement.
Banging Noises
Banging and clanking noises indicate a loose component inside the unit. This must be fixed as soon as possible to prevent future problems.
Foul Odors
This may be due to electrical problems, mildew growing in the drain pan, leaking refrigerant, or a dirty air filter. A professional inspection can help you find the root cause.
Frequent Cycling
An AC unit that frequently cycles on and off indicates the thermostat is not working correctly or the unit can’t push out enough cold air to keep the house cool. Several things can cause this.
Avoid using the unit if you notice any of these signs. Using an air conditioner that needs repairs can make the problem worse.
Perform Outdoor Maintenance
There is crucial AC maintenance you should perform for an outdoor unit to help prevent future problems. Clear away debris around and on the unit to ensure it doesn’t suck in twigs or leaves when it starts running. Use a level to ensure the unit is level. Consider putting a brick under a corner or two if necessary to make it level.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Schedule a professional inspection and air conditioning maintenance before it gets hot. Professionals can clean condenser coils, check air filters, and perform other maintenance tasks to ensure your unit is in the best working condition possible.
Many will clean around an outside unit as a part of standard maintenance. They can also test your unit to ensure it works properly.
Call Now to Schedule Your Summer AC Maintenance!
Beat the summer heat with a pre season AC Maintenance from Al Group! Call us now or book your inspection online.