How to Prevent Emergency AC Services

It’s the middle of summer and your air conditioning system stops working. You immediately start to panic because you know that you won’t be able to survive without air conditioning in this Florida heat. Before you call an air conditioning company in Palm Beach County, there are a few things that you can do to try and prevent emergency services. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to keep your air conditioner running smoothly all summer long!

1. Change the Air Filter Regularly

Your home’s air filter is a crucial component of your air conditioning system. It helps keep the system running smoothly and efficiently by trapping dust, debris, pet dander and other particles that could otherwise build up in the unit and cause it to malfunction. That’s why we recommend replacing your air filter every 30-90 days. Doing so can help prevent your AC from overworking itself and dramatically reduce energy costs at the same time. Keeping an eye on this regularly-overlooked part of your cooling system will save you money in the long run!

2. Clean Around the Outside Unit

Caring for and maintaining an air conditioner can be a lot of work, but it’s definitely worth the effort. One important thing to remember is that plants, shrubs, and trees should be regularly trimmed in order to keep air conditioner working at its best. This helps reduce the amount of leaves and debris from falling onto the unit and clogging up the AC system. Doing this periodically can help prevent inefficient cooling, breakdowns, and unnecessary repair costs.

3. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Having an annual inspection of your air conditioner can be an invaluable tool in ensuring that expensive repairs and replacements don’t have to happen. During the inspection, the professional will thoroughly check each part of the air conditioner while also looking for any potential issues that may be present. Follow up on the professional’s recommendations right away to keep your air conditioner running efficiently and help avoid those unexpected hefty repair costs down the line. Scheduling a regular annual inspection of your air conditioner is an important way to keep it healthy and rewarding you with years of comfort.

4. Check the Thermostat

Keeping the thermostat set at a reasonable temperature is one of the simplest ways to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. Setting it too low or high can put extra stress on the system, potentially leading to breakdowns, which could require expensive repairs or even full replacements. To avoid this, try to keep your thermostat between 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit during summer months, and between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit during winter months. Doing so could not only save you money in repair bills but also help lower your energy consumption, allowing you to make a more positive impact on the environment as well as your wallet.

5. Seal Any Air Leaks

Make sure your air conditioner isn’t working any harder than it needs to. Taking a few minutes to inspect windows, doors, and walls for any cracks or gaps can help keep your home at the right temperature while lowering energy costs. Sealing these spaces with weatherproof materials is an easy way to ensure the hot air outside doesn’t make its way inside, creating a more comfortable environment for your family without breaking the bank.

6. Clean the Condenser Coils

To ensure your air conditioner is running at maximum efficiency, it’s important to clean the coils on the outside unit twice a year. A simple brushing with a brush or vacuum cleaner can remove any dirt and debris that builds up over the course of months, helping prevent clogs in the system. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, taking the time to thoroughly clean your AC’s coils will help reduce energy costs and make sure you’re getting the most out of your cooling system.

7. Check the Fan Blades

If you’re feeling a little warm and your AC isn’t doing its job, there could be an issue with the fan blades. This is usually one of the most common culprits behind a malfunctioning air conditioning system. It’s important to take some time to frequently inspect the fan blades for any unusual wear or damage that might have occurred. Depending on how severe the damage may be, you may need to replace them to get your cool air flowing again.

8. Insulate Any Exposed Pipes

When temperatures dip below freezing, exposed pipes can cause extreme issues with an AC system. With no insulation to protect them, they will become cold much faster than pipes with sensible protection. This can lead to frozen sections of pipe which then thaw and freeze again as the temperature rises and falls. If left unchecked, this may even cause a total breakdown of the entire system! Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by taking the simple precaution of properly insulating any exposed pipes in your AC system.

9. Check for Water Leaks

If you discover any standing water near your air conditioner, do not ignore it. It is important to take action immediately as the water could be due to a leak in the system. A leak can lead to further damage, such as rusting of components or mold growth, which is why it is important to contact an AC professional immediately. An expert technician will be able to swiftly identify and root out the source of the leak before any serious damage can arise, so you don’t have to worry about possible expensive repairs later on down the line.

10. Check the Refrigerant Level

The refrigerant inside of your AC not only helps cool the air but it also prevents moisture from building up and freezing up other components of your unit. A low level of refrigerant inevitably leads to an inefficient system that needs immediate attention from professional services. In order to avoid that, it’s important to check on the levels of your refrigerant regularly, as well as paying attention to anything out of the ordinary if you notice your AC isn’t running like it should.

Air conditioners work hard to keep us cool in the summer, but sometimes they need a break too. By following the tips above and getting regular tune-ups for your AC unit, you can help prevent emergency AC services. No one wants their air conditioner to break down in the middle of a heat wave, so do what you can to avoid it. If you need any assistance with your unit or are in need of AC repair, don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts. We’re always happy to help!