Air conditioners are excellent additions to a home, keeping the air cool, warm, and free from potential allergens. However, similar to other appliances and devices, they experience wear and tear over time. Therefore, preventive maintenance and necessary repairs should help extend your air conditioner’s lifespan. But which best practices should homeowners do? Here are some ideas.

1. Conduct Annual Service Maintenance

The first step to prolonging your air conditioner’s lifespan is to ensure it is regularly serviced. It means having a qualified technician inspect and clean critical components like the blower, coils, and condenser. The technician will also check for leaks and other potential problems.

It is best to have your air conditioner serviced in the spring if you live in a hot climate. It will ensure it is in good condition before the peak of the summer. In the fall, it is essential to have your furnace and other HVAC components serviced to ensure they are ready for the cold winter months.

2. Change Filters as Scheduled

While you should always have your air conditioner serviced by a professional, there is a maintenance task you can do on your own. The air filter should be changed every 30-60 days, making it safer for the people at home.

If you have pets or are allergic to pollen, dust, and other airborne particles, you should change the filter every month. A dirty filter will restrict airflow and cause your unit to work harder, increasing electricity consumption and reducing efficiency.

3. Clean Accessible Areas

You should frequently clean the areas around your system to ensure it’s not obstructed. Using a central air conditioner, you should clean the ductwork, vents, and registers. Cleaning the accessible areas should help the system to function better as expected.

While you can’t access the inside of your unit, there are areas you can clean yourself. The most critical areas are the coils, fins, and fan. Keep the site around the unit clean and free of debris, dust, and cobwebs.

4. Set the Perfect Temperature

Depending on where you live, you can set your AC to cool to a comfortable temperature. The temperature you select will help the system to function better. If you set the temperature too low, it will require more energy to cool your home.

Setting the temperature too low will put more strain on your system and cause your electricity bill to go up. Meanwhile, setting it too low may hinder it from performing at its full potential. The ideal temperature is around 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25.56 degrees Celsius).

5. Keep It Smelling Fresh

If your home smells stuffy, it’s likely because your AC system is dirty. A dirty AC system can be a breeding ground for mould and mildew. It can cause allergies and other respiratory problems. To keep your home smelling fresh, you can clean your AC system.

You can clean your AC system by removing the filter and washing it with soap and water. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to clean the vents and ducts. If you have a window AC unit, you can clean it by removing the front panel and wiping down the coils with a damp cloth.

Conclusion

If your AC system is not working correctly, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable. Luckily, there are some things you can do to troubleshoot and fix your AC system. A clean and well-maintained AC system is essential for keeping your home cool and comfortable during summer. By following these tips, you can ensure that your AC system runs efficiently and effectively.

Climate Experts is a Canadian-owned and operated company serving the Durham region. We offer HVAC services like HVAC repairs, furnace installation, and boiler maintenance. As the leading cooling and heating company in Pickering, we take pride in providing excellent service. Book an appointment on our website today for more information.

We all take our central air conditioner for granted. We use it every day automatically, assuming that it’ll give us the cool air we expect. However, once we run into problems, we start to realize just how important they are!

If your central air conditioner is having problems, it can be a real drag on your summertime comfort. Fortunately, many common AC problems are relatively easy to identify and fix. Here are some of the most common central air conditioner problems, along with some tips on how to fix them:

Problem 1. The Air Conditioner Doesn’t Turn On

If your AC won’t turn on, the first thing to check is the thermostat. Make sure it’s set to “cool” and that the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature. If the thermostat is set correctly and the AC still doesn’t turn on, the problem may be with the electrical supply. Check to make sure the AC is plugged in and that the circuit breaker is turned on.

Problem 2. The Air Conditioner Doesn’t Cool the House

If the AC is running but not cooling the house, there are several potential causes. First, check the air filter and replace it if it’s dirty. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause the AC to work harder than necessary. Second, check the evaporator coil and condenser coil to see if they need to be cleaned. Third, check the refrigerant level and, if necessary, add more.

Problem 3. The Air Conditioner Runs Constantly

If the AC runs constantly, but the house never seems to get cool, the problem may be with the thermostat. It could be set to “on” instead of “auto,” which will cause the AC to run even when the house is cool enough. Another possibility is that the thermostat is set too low. Try raising the temperature setting and see if that helps.

Problem 4. The Air Conditioner Makes Strange Noises

If the AC is making strange noises, the problem is likely with the fan or the compressor. A rattling noise may be due to a loose part, while a grinding noise may indicate a problem with the compressor. If you hear any strange noises coming from your AC, turn it off and call a repair technician.

Problem 5. The Air Conditioner Doesn’t Blow Air

If the air conditioner isn’t blowing air, the problem is likely with the fan. The first thing you should do is check to make sure that the fan is turned on. The second thing you should check is the fan blades to see if they’re clean. If they’re not clean, you can clean them with a brush or a vacuum.

Conclusion

While these problems are some issues we may never ever want to face, they can happen sooner or later. Either way, your task is to spot these problems right away and get to work fixing them. The faster you get the system fixed, the faster you’ll get back to enjoying cool air! But of course, if you don’t know how to fix your AC, be sure to hire professionals to come and tackle it for you. They’re well-versed with all things AC and can quickly identify the root cause of the problem and get it addressed effectively.

Climate Experts are a Canadian-owned and operated company offering installation, servicing, and maintenance services for various brands of furnaces and air conditioners. If you are looking for air conditioner repair in Pickering, reach out to us today!