How To Keep Your AC Running Smoothly All Year

There's nothing quite like the relief you feel when you enter your home after a long day in the scorching heat of the outdoors. Of course, it all depends on whether your AC is working or not. When summer hits its stride and temperatures are soaring, the last thing you want to deal with is a broken-down AC unit or worse, a unit you have to replace. Even if your cooling system seems to be working but it isn't as efficient as it used to be, this should cause concern. There are important steps you can take to save money, time, and stress and keep your AC running smoothly.



Symptoms of a Sick AC Unit 

First, as a homeowner, you should be aware of some common signs that your air conditioning system is having issues. You can procrastinate mowing your lawn and maybe even cleaning your windows, but you should never ignore your AC when it starts behaving badly. Here are the warning signs to watch out for:

• Your energy bill has suddenly spiked 
• Your AC is making unusual, loud noises 
• Your AC is blowing hot instead of cold air 
• Your vents are barely blowing any air at all 
• Your compressor has ice on it 

If you notice any of these things occurring in your home, your AC might need attention. Some of these problems need an HVAC contractor to perform repair and maintenance. But there are also things you can do around your home to help your AC run more efficiently.

Traits of an AC-Friendly Home 

If you notice that your air conditioning system seems to be working overtime to keep your home cool, you can check your property, inside and out, for issues that can easily affect the AC. There are simple things you can do to help your AC run efficiently, and it will save you from expensive electricity bills and help you avoid the cost of repairs or replacement.

First, when your AC is running, close all of the windows and doors in your home tightly. Gaps and openings that let in hot air from outside will make it that much harder for your AC to keep the inside temperature comfortable and stable. You might need to cover your windows with thick curtains when the sun is at its most brutal to keep some of the heat out. Other culprits that could be making your house unnecessarily hot are your oven and hairdryer. Avoid using them during the hottest summer months to help your AC maintain the indoor temperature.

Next, ensure that all AC vents are not blocked or covered by furniture, drapes, or other belongings. Even a pair of pants thrown over a floor vent can impact the way your unit runs. You might also need to vacuum the vents in your home if they are suffering from excessive dust, cobwebs, or anything else that could be causing air flow to backup. Finally, make sure that your condenser unit, the one outside of your house, is not surrounded by debris, trash, or anything else that could affect its performance. You may also want to consider shading the outside unit to protect it from unusually hot temperatures that can occur during a heat wave.

Parts of Your AC That Require Maintenance 

Even when your home is optimized to allow the AC to run efficiently, there are still parts of an HVAC system that require professional maintenance. If the system in your home is more than ten to fifteen years old, you may be better off installing a new cooling system to maximize energy efficiency and save on repair costs. Regardless, these complex systems will run smoothly for many years as long as professionals are able to check them regularly.

An HVAC contractor will come to your home and perform the following maintenance on your air conditioning system:

• Checking that filters, fan, motor, and other components are in working order
• Examining air ducts, vents, coils, and the drain line for any issues 
• Testing the temperature that the machine is running at 
• Looking at the levels of necessary coolants and refrigerating liquids 

These types of maintenance procedures can require taking the AC unit and its components apart, cleaning them, and putting everything back together correctly. That's why it can be easier to hire professionals rather than attempt a DIY approach.

Air conditioning is a marvel of modern home technology, but small issues can quickly snowball and result in costly repairs. Then you'll be stuck in an uncomfortably hot house while you wait for parts and hire professionals to make the fixes you need. As a homeowner, you can be better prepared by understanding the basics of how your HVAC system operates and what you can do to help keep it running smoothly all year long. For reliable AC maintenance and trustworthy installation of new cooling systems, contact Next Level HVAC at (707) 228-9921.