View SpecialsIf you use your AC day in and day out to fight off feverishly high temperatures, you exhaust the system. Any machine constantly running on high power is going to give out eventually. What happens when your air conditioner breaks down in the midst of a nasty Texan heatwave? It’s essential to have some precautionary steps up your sleeve.
1. Schedule Tune-Ups
This is the answer to preventing AC breakdowns in the first place. If you find yourself paying for more and more repairs each summer, it probably means you’re not taking the appropriate measures for proper maintenance. A basic annual or semi-annual tune-up is all your AC needs to function flawlessly through the summer seasons.
2. Change Your Filter
A dirty, dusty or altogether worn-out filter inhibits airflow tremendously. Your air conditioner filters are a critical component of ensuring efficiency and healthy air circulation. Make sure you’re replacing them at least once every three months.
3. Inspect Your AC Unit For Storm Damage
After every passing storm, you’ll want to examine your system for any damage. Storm damage can range from a dent in your blower fan to the complete uprooting of your system. You want to keep an especially close eye on small-scale damage like dings and dents. A couple of bent fan blades may not seem like a big deal, but they’re going to affect your unit’s cooling efficiency, restricting airflow and ultimately increasing energy costs.
4. Kick Up The Thermostat
Punching up your thermostat setting is a great way to keep your AC from running all day long. The lower your thermostat, the more frequently your AC runs throughout the day. Try a temperature that doesn’t lead to overcooling. The occasional break is healthy for your AC unit. Plus, it keeps energy costs down.
5. Utilize Ceiling Fans
This is a great tip to use in conjunction with option #4. When your ceiling fans are on, a higher thermostat setting doesn’t seem so unbearable. Once your air conditioner shuts down for a bit (hitting the temperature you’ve set on your thermostat), your fans are able to spread the cool air throughout your home. This combination of AC and fan use helps maintain the flow of cool air and minimize energy use.
By following these tips, you’re going to keep your AC unit on its feet much longer. Nonetheless, air conditioner repairs are inevitable: Sooner or later, despite your devotion to the annual tune-up and your clever DIY tactics, you’re going to need a professional technician.
The good news: If you’ve been treating your AC well, giving it the breathing room it needs, and keeping up with monthly maintenance, any future repairs your AC might need are likely to be minor.
Interested in discovering more options to protect your AC and lower your energy costs? Download the On Time Experts free report, The Ultimate Home Comfort Checklist, and find out how to keep your family comfortable year-round.
