AC breakdowns can occur at the worst possible times, leaving you stranded in the sweltering heat. While issues with your HVAC system should always be handled by a professional, this article will go over some ways to prevent this from happening in the first place.
If you need AC repair and heating repair in Avondale, Autumn Air Heating & Cooling is a great option. Located at 12409 W Indian School Rd Ste C307, Avondale, AZ 85392, their professionals can be reached at +1 602-266-5247.
Change your air filter
Filters that are obstructed with dust and debris impede airflow, forcing your AC unit to work harder than usual. This increases energy bills, as components become damaged from this extra strain.
Dirty filters allow pollutants and particulates into your home, which is especially problematic for older adults, infants, and children with respiratory conditions. Regular filter replacement helps improve indoor air quality.
Change your thermostat settings
As seasons change, your energy needs also shift accordingly. By altering the thermostat settings to meet these new circumstances, you may save on cooling bills while keeping your home comfortable.
Ensure your programmable thermostat is set to achieve your ideal temperature at the desired times; this will prevent the air conditioner from running frequently throughout the day.
Adjusting the schedule on your thermostat allows you to alter its recovery mode launch time. For instance, if it was scheduled to go into recovery at 8 PM every night, consider moving it later by an hour or two for reduced energy costs by shortening HVAC system run times.
It’s also important to regularly clean your thermostat and replace batteries to avoid dust from building up in internal components and leading to malfunctions.
Check your ductwork
Leaky duct systems can leak conditioned air into unwanted locations, like an attic or basement, making your system work harder than it needs to. Therefore, you must regularly inspect for holes and seal them appropriately to stop this air from escaping into unintended environments and keep conditioned air where it should belong.
Leaky ducts can also disturb dust accumulations that have been dormant, dispersing them into your living environment and disrupting it further. If you detect more dust than is typical, this could be a telltale sign that your ductwork needs cleaning or sealing.
Simply turn on your HVAC system and test for leaks by touching all air duct connections. If there’s any breeze coming from between any two ducts, use mastic tape or aluminum foil tape to seal those spots immediately.
Schedule a tune-up
Similar to your vehicle, your air conditioning unit requires regular upkeep. Annual tune-ups can help prevent up to 80% of AC breakdowns by detecting and fixing minor issues before they become major problems.
At a tune-up service visit, a technician will change out your air filter, lubricate moving parts, and tighten electrical connections, as well as check refrigerant levels to make sure there is sufficient refrigerant for optimal operation.
Dirty evaporator coils, condensers, and filters are among the leading causes of air conditioning breakdowns. To minimize energy usage and minimize clogs in your outdoor unit’s coils and filters, regular cleaning is key in order to remove debris like leaves, grass clippings, and shrubbery.
