Air conditioner issues are one of the most common maintenance requests property managers receive during the summer. Even when an AC unit has been properly serviced and maintained, there can still be issues that arise.
If the unit is running, but just not very efficiently, sometimes a quick troubleshooting session can solve the problem before calling out an HVAC vendor. Below are some tips for how to keep your air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently during the summer months, as well as ideas for how to keep your home cool.
1. Check the air filter
This is always the first recommendation I make when a tenant calls and says there is low air flow or the air isn’t cold. This is usually caused by a dirty filter that is not allowing sufficient airflow through the return vent.
While it’s a cheap and easy fix, if left unattended, it can cause bigger (and more expensive) problems. For example, it could cause the lines to the system to freeze up and burn up the motor.
2. Check the condenser coils
If the air filter has recently been changed or is in good condition, then the next step would be to check the condenser coils on the unit located outside. The condenser is exposed to the elements and can accumulate dirt, dust and other debris such as leaves or twigs. At least twice a year, it’s a good practice to turn off the unit completely and hose down the condenser coils with a garden hose to remove any debris that may be keeping the unit from working efficiently.
While you’re outside, if you notice that the line to the AC is frozen, that’s a sign of poor airflow that should be addressed immediately. This could be caused by a dirty air filter, supply vents being closed, or return vents being blocked.
3. Keep the area around the unit clear
This goes hand in hand with #2. If you have dirt or landscaping surrounding your AC unit, or trees above it, be mindful about what gets dropped on top of the unit or nearby. Just a simple breeze can blow debris into the coils, lowering their effectiveness.
4. Set the temperature and leave it alone
The best practice for setting your thermostat is to set it and forget. Ideally, 78 degrees is the recommended temperature. Just know that if you set it at 70, it won’t get to 78 any faster. And constantly adjusting the temperature could not only cost you more money, but could also put unnecessary wear and tear on the unit.
5. Keep window coverings closed
While it’s nice to leave the blinds and curtains open during the day to allow natural light to come in, it can be a major factor in keeping your house cool. This is especially true if you have east or west facing windows as direct sunlight can really heat up a room. Instead, keep the shades drawn in rooms that get the most sunlight and if it cools down enough at night, the shades and windows can be opened to let the cool nighttime air inside.
6. Do the dishes, laundry and major chores in the early morning or evening hours
As advanced as appliances are today, some of them still put out enough heat to increase the temperature in a room. If you can refrain from doing laundry or using the dishwasher in the middle of the day, it will help to keep the house cool and won’t make your AC work as hard.
7. Turn on a fan
Using a fan can not only help to circulate cool air around the house when the AC is on, but it can also help at night by allowing you to turn the temperature up while still staying cool and comfortable.
