At best, losing your air conditioner in the middle of the cooling season is an unnecessary frustration; at worst, your family’s safety might be at risk. While we at Bass Air are always happy to repair AC issues as they come along, our preferred method is to prevent those breakdowns from happening in the first place. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure that your AC will stay in good working order and keep your family cool all summer long.
Home Maintenance Checks
The key to preventing AC issues is to spot them before they can become big problems. At the beginning of the cooling season and periodically thereafter, inspect your air conditioner for any visible signs of damage. Check for blockage outside the outdoor unit and look for signs of corrosion or rust around the wires heading into the system. Those little checks might be just what you need to spot and correct any emerging issues.
Reduce the Cooling Load
The harder your air conditioner has to work, the more likely it is to encounter a problem. Setting your thermostat higher, for instance, not only saves electricity but also saves wear and tear on your air conditioner. Invest in a ceiling fan to break up the hot air that collects near the ceiling and make it easier for your AC unit to run. Consider using a programmable thermostat to turn down the AC during times when your home will be empty.
Change the Filter
Likely the most common cause of AC breakdowns is a dirty air filter. If your unit uses disposable filters, get your replacements from a local factory authorized dealer to make sure they’re made to fit your system. If your air conditioner has a reusable filter, wash it with water and let it air dry completely before putting it back in the unit. Change or clean the filter every one to three months throughout the cooling season, and unless you want to cause a serious issue, don’t let your unit run without a filter.
Preventative Maintenance
Good home maintenance goes a long way, but if you’re serious about preventing AC breakdowns, you’ll need to have your air conditioner professionally maintained. During each maintenance visit, your air conditioner repair technician will identify any small, emerging problems and fix them before they can cause a breakdown. Routine maintenance also includes small calibration adjustments that will help maximize energy efficiency.
We at Bass Air Conditioning Company have been helping Hope Mills, NC residents keep their air conditioners running well since 1952. To get more AC troubleshooting tips or to schedule preventative maintenance, give us a call.
