Preventing AC Breakdowns: 10 Tips for Homeowners

1. Regularly Change Air Filters

Keeping an air conditioner running in good order requires regular maintenance and attention, and one of the easiest things a homeowner can do to maintain their AC unit regularly changes the air filters. Many people forget to do this and as a result, suffer from reduced cooling power and increased utility bills due to clogged filters.

Replacing the filter every once in a while ensures that plenty of cold air can circulate freely around the home. The more expensive pleated air filters should be replaced even more often, about once every two months or so, for optimal performance. Regularly changing your air filters will keep your AC running like it should, keeping your home cool and comfortable.

2. Clean Condenser Coils and Blower Components

To keep air conditioning systems running effectively and efficiently-saving time, money, and headache-it is important to regularly clean condenser coils and blower components. To do this properly, inspect the outdoor unit for debris like sticks or leaves caught in the airflow openings and brush away any dirt or dust on the outermost coil layers.

Also, be sure to remove all grass clippings and branches from atop the condenser unit itself. Inside the home, homeowners can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove the dirt which accumulates around blower components. By taking proactive steps such as these routinely, it is possible to extend the life of an air conditioning system and avoid costly breakdowns.

3. Check the Refrigerant Levels in Your AC Unit

Maintaining the refrigerant in an AC unit is one of the most important steps for homeowners to take in order to prevent breakdowns. Checking each year ensures that it stays at proper levels, keeping your system running efficiently and helping to avoid costly repairs.

After switching off the power to the unit, move outside and unplug the power cables from its electrical box. Then remove a cap from one of the valves and connect an AC manifold gauge: you don’t need any special tools or skills, but you will find this part of the job easier with a helper who can withstand some hot air while you check the pressure.

Take note of what the readings say so that you have a point of comparison if those numbers change during future checks – if they do, it might be time for a recharge

4. Inspect Electrical Connections and Wiring on Equipment

Homeowners can save themselves time, effort, and money by taking proactive steps to prevent their air conditioners from breaking down. To start, inspecting the electrical connections and wiring on all A/C equipment is essential.

Proper wiring is necessary for all components of your cooling system to function together. By proactively checking the inner workings of your system’s wiring, you can spot issues before they become large, costly problems. For best practices and safest procedures, consult an experienced technician to check your electrical connections and ensure that everything is in order.

Taking these preventive measures can be a major benefit in protecting against AC breakdowns and keeping cool during hot summer days!

5. Clear Debris Away From Outdoor Units

Despite the sweltering summer heat, there are just as many things homeowners can do to prevent an AC breakdown as there are things to prep for winter. One of the most important is ridding any obstructions blocking your outdoor unit.

Leaves, dirt, twigs, and other debris can greatly compromise airflow and reduce efficiency. During active summer months, it's a great idea to check your unit often and rake away whatever may have settled near its surface. Doing this will ensure that you get the optimal performance from your air conditioner even on the hottest days!

6. Schedule Annual Preventive Maintenance Visits With a Certified Technician

Homeowners can greatly reduce the chance of unexpected air conditioning system breakdowns in their residences if they schedule annual preventive maintenance visits with a certified technician. Not only does this proactive tune-up inspect for any potential problems, but it also enables technicians to catch small issues before they evolve into much costlier repairs or system replacements.

Preventive maintenance visits also help keep air conditioning systems running efficiently so homeowners don't have to worry about skyrocketing utility bills during warmer months. In short, scheduling an annual appointment will help protect the AC unit and save money in the long run.

7. Keep the Area Around the Indoor Unit Free of Obstructions to Ensure Proper Airflow

One of the most important steps homeowners can take to prevent AC breakdowns is to keep the area around their indoor unit free of obstructions. If furniture, plants, or other items are too close, they can seriously affect airflow and decrease the unit's effectiveness.

Proper airflow is essential for a home cooling system to work properly; without it, AC units won’t be able to cycle air efficiently and may suffer premature failure. For this reason, it’s best to leave at least 18 inches of space between the furniture and the indoor unit.

Make sure there isn’t any debris or leaves clogging up the return air grille outside your property; cleaning out these areas regularly will help ensure that your home cooling system stays in good working condition for years to come.

8. Check the Thermostat Settings for Correct Schedules and Temperatures

Homeowners can take a simple but important step to prevent unnecessary AC breakdowns: checking thermostat settings. It helps to make sure the temperature is set no higher than 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on individual comfort preferences, and that the thermostat is set to the correct schedule.

Keeping the temperature regulated helps eliminate unnecessary strain from the system, which in turn prevents it from becoming overworked and breaking down prematurely. Additionally, regular thermostat checks can help detect issues such as faulty air filters or an incorrect setting (which are easily fixed!) before they worsen significantly.

9. Make Sure Your Vents Are Open, Clean, and Free of Any Obstructions

Keeping your air conditioning vents open, clean, and free of any obstructions is one of the most important steps for preventing AC breakdowns. It's important that your vents are not blocked by furniture or other objects as this could restrict air from passing through.

To ensure cleanliness, be sure to regularly vacuum and/or dust the area around each vent in order to prevent particles from traveling into your ventilation system and causing damage. It’s wise to check all of the vents for any signs of physical damage or corrosion on a regular basis. If you take these preventative steps, you can rest assured that your air conditioning will continue running efficiently and effectively all summer long.

10. Take Advantage of a Home Warranty Plan to Cover Emergency Repairs

Homeowners can take measures to prevent AC breakdowns, but sometimes the incidents are unavoidable. If a homeowner discovers that the issue with their air conditioner is not something they can fix on their own, it is worth investing in a home warranty plan.

Home warranty plans usually include monthly fees and an annual deductible fee that covers many different types of repair services. This can be helpful for homeowners who experience unexpected repairs for appliances such as air conditioning units.

A home warranty plan may even help to lower repair costs since some service providers will offer discounted or waived fees in exchange for agreeing to purchase the warranty. Investing in a home warranty plan can provide financial security if an AC breakdown occurs and greatly reduce stress during a repair situation.

There are many simple steps homeowners can take to prevent AC breakdowns and keep their homes cool during the hot summer months. From regularly changing air filters and cleaning condenser coils to checking refrigerant levels and investing in a home warranty plan--implementing these 10 tips will help ensure that your AC system runs at optimal efficiency throughout the entire summer season. Taking the time to do regular maintenance and inspections can save you money in the long run and provide peace of mind! So don’t wait--start taking these preventative steps today to keep your air conditioner running smoothly all year round.

Are you looking for a reliable HVAC specialist to keep your air conditioner running smoothly all summer long? Look no further than American Heating & Air ! Our experienced technicians are available 24/7 to provide installation, maintenance, and repair services. With our help, you can be sure that your AC will stay in top shape throughout the summer and that you can enjoy a comfortable home all season long. Contact us today (478) 452-5990 to get started! We look forward to helping you keep your cool this summer. Reach out now and make sure your AC is properly cared for!