How Can I Prevent Frequent AC Breakdowns?

If air conditioners are important to you, you don’t want them breaking down. It can be a nightmare to sleep when it’s hot. Breakdowns can occur for any reason because an air conditioner has several complicated parts. There are a few things you can do for minimizing the risk of encountering problems. These are a few ways you can prevent frequent air conditioner breakdowns:

Annual Tune-up

This is the best way of preventing an air conditioner from breaking down during the summer. Essential maintenance tasks are performed during an annual tune-up. The technician will inspect the system for problems which will reduce the likelihood of an air conditioner break down.

Replacing Filters

Air filters are an important component of the air conditioner. They don’t allow air to pass through when clogged. This can cause the system to work extra hard for satisfying thermostat settings. You may encounter all sorts of problems when the air conditioner has to overwork. You should check and change the filter every month or as per manufacturer guidelines.

Keep the Outside Unit Clean

The outdoor unit needs to breathe if it has to expel air outside. You should maintain the area surrounding the external unit. Keep it free from debris, shrubs, and grass. Make sure that at least a few feet surrounding the air conditioner is kept free of vegetation.

Clean the Inside Unit

You shouldn’t forget the indoor unit while you are maintaining the outside one. Clean the air handler for preventing dirt buildup. Don’t store anything near the unit. The indoor unit should be easily accessible to the technician and you.

Unblock Air Vents

You should not block or close any air vents. Closing air vents may help you save energy, but it will cause a different set of performance issues. An air conditioner is designed to handle specific pressure in a home. All supply and return vents should be kept completely free of obstruction and open for maintaining that load.

Water Leaks

Take a look around for signs of water leaks. Give the indoor and the outdoor unit a thorough check. You should get in touch with a technician immediately if you notice any leaks or water pooling around the air conditioner. The technician will inspect the condensate line and drain pan for identifying issues.

Heat Gain

It is important that you don’t overwork your air conditioner in any way. This will cause parts and components to wear down before their time. Minimizing heat gain in your house is a great way of easing load on the AC unit. You should cover the window shades to block heat from the sun. You should also consider using heat-producing appliances, such as washing machine, dryer and dishwasher during the night when it is cooler outside.

Repair As Needed

A lot of problems can be prevented by calling air conditioner technicians before minor problems turn into major ones. You should know that problems in air conditioners become worse with time. The longer you wait for repair work, the more likely your system will experience breakdowns in your Bay Area home or place or work. You should consider replacing the system if it is experiencing frequent breakdowns. Newer systems are smarter and more adept at energy saving.