Experiencing air conditioning problems or a total AC system failure in the face of the sweltering summer heat is far from ideal. Learning how you can prevent these emergencies will give you the cooling support you need throughout the warmer months. Here are six ways to avoid an AC emergency in Oak Ridge, TN, this cooling season:
Install a New AC System Before Summer if Yours Is Old
A system that’s decades old and runs less efficiently than its modern counterparts is bound to experience a few issues here and there when it encounters external stress. If you’ve been putting off a new AC installation but know that you need a new air conditioner, make sure to get this done before the summer heat waves start. This way, you’ll know that you have a new AC system that likely won’t need major repairs throughout the hot season.
Conduct Regular AC Maintenance and Repairs
An AC system that’s well-maintained will make it through the peak cooling months with few issues. It’s vital to the health and lifespan of your cooling system to seek regular air conditioning maintenance support and AC repairs. You should especially schedule AC maintenance and repairs before the cooling season so that you can be confident that your air conditioner will be able to support you through it.
Monitor Energy Usage
Knowing what to look for before disaster strikes can be instrumental in avoiding emergencies and addressing issues before they impact your AC system. One telltale sign that something is wrong is an unexpected increase in energy usage.
If you notice that your AC system is running longer and your energy bills are higher, it could point to issues within the air conditioner, such as low refrigerant levels or dirty air ducts. Keep a close eye on your energy usage to determine if your AC system is struggling to run efficiently.
Regularly Check Your System
It’s true that it’s always best to leave AC inspections and repairs to the pros to protect your health and safety and avoid further issues with your system. However, there’s a lot that you can determine without ever having to peek inside your AC equipment.
Set aside some time to make regular checks on your system. Are you noticing any strange sounds or odd smells coming from the air conditioner?
These can point to an internal problem that you need to address sooner rather than later. Keeping a close eye on how your system is functioning will help you catch these problems before your system fails altogether.
Keep AC Filters Clean
Clogged air filters can force your AC system to work harder to try to keep your home cool. This can lead to unnecessary strain that may impact your system and cause damage to the equipment at the worst possible time. AC filters need regular changing or cleaning throughout the year to keep your cooling system functioning efficiently.
Learn About Potential Issues Earlier With a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats can be a useful addition to your AC system. These small but powerful devices can tell you a lot about energy usage and potential issues in your system before you notice them yourself.
They can also help you schedule reminders for maintenance so that you don’t forget to have an expert tend to your AC system. If you’re interested in installing a smart thermostat, this can serve as an excellent incentive to make the switch.
An AC emergency is always possible, but with proper maintenance, you can reduce the likelihood of your air conditioner breaking down during summer’s peak cooling months. If you want to keep your AC system functioning optimally throughout the summer, get in touch with our team at Melton Heating and Air Conditioning for expert AC maintenance and support in Oak Ridge, TN. Your comfort and satisfaction are our priority!
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