The summer months can be a nightmare due to the rising humidity levels. This is where an air conditioner becomes a valuable investment to help keep your home or office cool and comfortable.
However, your air conditioner can be prone to breaking down or malfunctioning during summer. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to keep your unit running efficiently and optimally during summer.
At Direct Air, we can help your unit to prepare it for a seamless operation during the summer. We are a renowned AC repair contractor in Miami that can help you with your AC issues.
Here are some useful tips on how to keep your AC in top shape to prevent breakdown.
Get professional AC tune-up
If you want your unit to continue operating optimally even during summer, consider scheduling a spring tune-up with a professional technician. During a professional tune-up, the technician will tackle the most important maintenance tasks to get your unit ready for summer.
The technician will examine every component and troubleshoot issues that could lead to inefficient operation. This can include things like a filter change, which could lead to a breakdown if ignored.
Examine air filters
Your AC is likely to work hard during summer or hot months. Consequently, the air filters can get potentially clogged with dirt and dust, blocking the airflow.
The result of this is inefficient operation, increased energy consumption, and eventually a breakdown. The good news is that checking or changing your filter regularly can prevent these issues.
Servicing air filters not only prevents breakdown but also helps to improve the air quality of your unit. If you use disposable air filters, make sure that you change them on a monthly basis.
Don’t block the vent
Closing or blocking air vents is believed to save energy. However, this is not always true as blocking an AC’s vents can cause obstruction of airflow and throw your unit off balance.
Besides, blocking the vents can make it difficult for your AC to maintain the pressure load for your home. Therefore, you need to ensure that your unit’s air vents are kept open and unobstructed at all times.
Examine the unit for water leaks
Water leaks are common in AC units and occur when the condensation drain line is clogged. When your unit experiences water leaks, it is more likely to break down.
A good tip is to always examine your unit for signs of leaks when changing the air filter. Don’t hesitate to contact a professional technician to unclog the drain if there are any leaks.
Never overwork your system
Unlike popular belief, increasing the load on your unit will do more harm than good. While putting extra load can lead to a minor drop in the indoor temperature, it can make your AC susceptible to breakdown.
This is because your system will overwork in order to release cool air that will keep your home cool and comfortable. It is highly recommended to set your thermostat in an energy-saving mode, especially during very hot days. This will lower your AC’s load so it doesn’t have to work very hard.
Clear the surrounding area
This aspect is often overlooked but it can make a huge difference in the operation of your AC. The outdoor unit should be placed in a neatly maintained area that is free from plants, weeds, debris, tall grasses, and other obstructing objects.
Tall plants and other objects will not only block the airflow but also hinder your unit’s ability to run efficiently. This can be a major problem during hot months as reduced airflow will mean that you won’t enjoy cool air in your home or office.
In the end, your unit will suffer a potential breakdown. Therefore, ensure that there is enough space for the AC to breathe and function as required.
Similarly, ensure that the indoor surrounding area is clear from obstructions. The air conditioner should be easily accessible for you to clean to prevent dirt build-up. This will also make it easy for the technician to perform maintenance tasks where necessary.
Check and clean the coils
Like air filters, dirty coils can block the airflow in your home. During high humidity, these coils can be susceptible to mold and mildew growth.
If left unattended, this issue can eventually lead to a breakdown during hot months. Routine maintenance will ensure that the condenser coils are clean and in the right working condition.
Allow your unit to take a break
An AC breakdown can occur during summer because the fan is constantly in use. Basically, an AC unit that is working throughout the year is prone to breaking down during operation.
Allowing your AC to rest for a while can keep it in top-notch condition and prevent a breakdown that comes from overworking. Shut down the unit for several days before restarting it again. Also, remember to switch it off if you are out of the house for several days.
Limit using energy-consuming appliances
Energy-hogging appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators can compete for energy with your air conditioner. Minimizing the use of these appliances can reduce your AC’s load, preventing breakdown. You may also want to use the energy-hogging electronics at night when it’s much cooler outside.
Replace a worn-out unit
If your system is old and nearing its lifespan, then it may be time that you replaced it with a new unit. This is true if your AC has served more than 10 years. You don’t have to wait for your system to break down in order to get a new one.
Getting a new unit will help you save significantly, and you won’t have to spend on expensive repairs on your malfunctioned unit. Plus, it will get you ready for summer since the new AC will have the capacity to run throughout the summer period.
Conclusion
Summer months don’t have to be intolerable thanks to an air conditioner. Knowing how to protect and care for your air conditioner will prolong its life and keep it running longer all summer.
Make sure that you schedule an annual AC tune-up with a professional technician before summer for major maintenance tasks.
