Home / Blog / Air Conditioner Tips / 10 AC Maintenance Tips to Increase the Performance of Your Unit
AC Troubleshooting Common Problems How to Fix Them

ACs can lose their efficiency over time. Whether you have a split AC or a window AC, you should take the necessary steps to maintain its efficiency. An energy-efficient AC consumes less electricity, cools properly and is less likely to break down unexpectedly.

Here are some tried and tested ways to improve the performance of your air conditioner.

Change Your AC’s Air Filter

Air conditioners come equipped with air filters designed to trap dust, pet hair, pollen and other pollutants to prevent airflow and other problems that can affect their efficiency. AC filters can become dirty or clogged over time. A clogged air filter can lead to ice build up on your air conditioning unit, making it work harder and longer. To prevent problems and keep your AC working properly, most house holds change the filter every 90 days. People with seasonal allergies normally change their filters more frequently.

Avoid Using Heat Producing Household Appliances During the day

Large household appliances such as dryers, dishwashers, and ovens generate a significant amount of heat. By operating these appliances during the daytime, you place a strain on your AC, inadvertently forcing it to go into overdrive. If possible, try to run these appliances after sunset or before sunrise.

Keep Vents Clean and Unblocked

The vents of your AC are responsible for circulating cool air throughout your house. Furniture, toys and other items placed in front of your vents can obstruct them, leading to airflow problems. As a result, your unit will be forced to put in extra effort to cool your living spaces. Keep your vents unblocked and vacuum them regularly to improve AC performance.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

Still using a manual thermostat? Now is the right time to switch to a programmable one. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts your home temperature according to a set schedule. You can even set your thermostat to increase your home temperature when no one’s home. If you connect your smart thermostat to your WiFi, you can adjust your home temperature remotely.

Stay on top of Maintenance

Make periodic AC maintenance a top priority. Regular professional AC maintenance in Germantown, MD prevents costly repairs and keeps your AC working at its peak efficiency. Reputable AC tune up services in Chantilly, VA hire experienced professionals equipped to identify subtle signs of AC problems and address their underlying causes to ensure optimal AC performance.

Improve Attic Insulation

Insulation keeps cool air inside your home so your AC doesn’t have to work longer and harder to cool it. If your attic is poorly insulated, cool air could escape your home. To prevent this from happening, add attic insulation.

Use Ceiling Fans

When the air in your home flows freely, you feel cooler. Use ceiling fans in your room to circulate cool air throughout your use. This is a simple and inexpensive way to reduce strain on your AC.

Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit

Unkempt vegetation and debris around your AC’s outdoor unit can negatively impact your system’s performance. Clear away debris such as leaves and pine needles that have accumulated around your unit. Trim any overgrown grass, shrubs, or weeds surrounding the unit. To keep your AC working at its peak efficiency, clean the outdoor unit at regular intervals and repair or replace bent fins in a timely manner.

Close Curtains and Blinds During the day

On sultry afternoons, the sun’s rays can quickly heat your home. When your thermostat senses a rise in house temperature, it instructs your AC to go all out to cool your home. A simple, yet effective way to prevent heat gain is to keep your curtains closed during the day.

Insulate Your Ductwork

If you have any exposed ducts in your garage, utility room, or basement, the conditioned air in them can warm up quickly. To address the problem, add insulation around your exposed ducts.

AC not cooling properly? Let AVS Heating and Air Conditioning help. Our technicians are able to think outside the box to come up with long-term solutions to complicated AC problems. To learn more, call 703-457-9028.