Summertime is a time when people are outside more and rely on air conditioning to stay cool. Unfortunately, air conditioning can break down quickly in the summer heat, costing people money in repairs or even higher electric bills. Here are five steps that you can take to help prevent your air conditioning system from breaking down this summer.
Changing your Air Filters
Regularly check the filters on your air conditioner. Dirty filters will cause your unit to work harder and wear out sooner, leading to a breakdown. Filters should be changed regularly, depending on the amount of use of the system then it can be as frequent as every month.
Maintenance Agreement
A well-maintained heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system can help prevent costly repairs and keep the system running efficiently. A regular HVAC maintenance agreement can help ensure that the system is properly cleaned and that any potential problems are identified and addressed before they become bigger issues.
Keeping a stable temperature
Summer is in full swing and for many homeowners that means cranking the AC up to cool their home as quickly as possible. However, if you turn the thermostat temperature rapidly (e.g. turning your AC off when you leave the home then turning it up a couple of degrees when you return), it will not cool your home faster. In fact, it can actually cause your AC to work harder and decrease its lifespan. A better approach is to slowly adjust the temperature over a period of time. For instance, if you are going to be gone from home for an extended period of time, turn the AC off completely and then back on when you return. This will help your AC run more efficiently and save you money on your energy bill.
Noticing early warning signs
Summer is the time of year when homeowners use their air conditioners the most. So, if you notice your ac is not cooling properly, is making funny or loud noises, call a professional, don t wait.
If your AC isn’t cooling your home like it should be, there might be damage that’s causing it to work harder than necessary. This can lead to increased energy costs and an early breakdown of your system.
You should also be on the lookout for strange sounds coming from your AC unit. These could be a sign of damage that needs to be repaired before it becomes worse.