A broken air conditioner is the nightmare of every homeowner in the summer. Trying to live without central air is just not acceptable for some people. Those with allergies, for example, may not enjoy having their windows open in the spring due to the pollen. That means their air might go on as early as April or May. For these people and for those who like their homes chilly in the summer, excessive use of air conditioners often leads to the need for repair. Luckily, with just a few easy steps and some general maintenance Ocean County air conditioner repair can be avoided. Plus, taking good care of your HVAC system and units means they will last as long as possible. Furthermore, a well-maintained unit runs more efficiently meaning lower utility bills. There is really no reason not to get started on this list of things to do today.
The Number 1 Tip to Avoid Repair Bills This Summer
Sometimes it seems like things break for no reason. This isn’t always true though. Often, we ignore warning signs that something is about to break. It only seems like it’s out of nowhere until you realize you’ve been hearing a weird noise for months now. Strange sounds, odd smells, and increasing energy bills are all examples of things you might notice if there is something wrong with your air conditioner. The best thing to do is to schedule an annual inspection with an experienced Ocean County air conditioner repair technician. This removes almost any chance of your unit breaking. With such routine examinations, any minor issues can be addressed before they become a major catastrophe. It is still important however, to pay close attention to your air conditioner. Even the smallest inconsistency could be a warning of something much bigger.
Ocean County Air Conditioner Repair Avoidance Tip #2
Clean. No offense meant, of course. What we mean is that it is valuable to the efficiency of your unit to keep the machine itself, as well as the area surrounding it clean. Anything that could potentially block air flow into or out of the air conditioning system needs to be removed. This includes bushes and shrubs that may be too close to the condenser outside. There should be at least two to three feet of clearance surrounding your exterior unit. If there is not, anything inside that zone should be trimmed back or removed. This goes for inside too. Check that all vents are unobstructed in each room of your home. People sometimes place furniture in front of or over vents thinking it is not a big deal. Anytime your air has to work harder to achieve the desired effect is going to cost you.
Changing the Air Filter isn’t an Ocean County Air Conditioner Repair Technicians Job
While they can, and often do clean and change air filters for homeowners, this responsibility is actually the homeowners. Every three months, the air filter in your furnace needs to be checked. Depending on what type of filter you have, it should either be replaced or cleaned. Reusable filters are very common since you do not need to constantly buy a new filter. They can simply be washed off well, air dried, and put back in. Other filters just need to be disposed of. This means every few months, you need to purchase a new filter and replace it yourself. Neglecting this simple task can cost you big in the long run. As we discussed earlier, anytime air flow is impeded within your air conditioning system, you are putting unnecessary strain on your unit. Therefore, it’s important to keep your filter clean of debris by changing it every few months.
Check Your Thermostat
Some people make the mistake of treating the thermostat like a set it and forget it appliance. This shouldn’t be the case. First, make sure it is not installed by anything that generates heat. Things like lamps, computers, and other electronics can affect the performance of your thermostat and your air conditioning system. Also, increasing the temperature a degree or two isn’t going to hurt. Most people won’t notice such a slight change. The biggest advantages to this are that your energy bills will be lower and your a/c will last as long as possible. The less your system gets used, the longer it will last. Lastly, make sure you have either a programmable or smart thermostat installed in your home. Then, of course, make sure the program is set appropriately and is running as planned.
There’s Many Other Tips to Avoid Ocean County Air Conditioner Repair this Summer
Aside from everything we’ve already discussed, there are many things you can do to help the a/c in your home run efficiently as possible, for as many years as possible. Planting shade trees in the right locations around your home can help keep the inside of your house cooler without the need of a/c. Along these same lines, any windows that get hit with the strength of the mid-day sun should have their blinds or curtains closed during the day. Window coverings work just like trees by blocking the heat of the sun. Although, trees definitely do it better. No matter if you begin by implementing just one of these tips or decide to tackle the whole list tomorrow, taking better care of your air conditioner means it will take better care of you.
Schedule Preventative Maintenance Before the Heat Hits
While many people don’t think about their air conditioner until it’s already hot out, the best time to schedule preventative maintenance is actually in early spring. Once summer is in full swing, HVAC technicians in Ocean County are overwhelmed with emergency repair calls. That means longer wait times and potentially higher service fees. By being proactive and booking a tune-up ahead of time, you avoid the stress of surprise breakdowns during heat waves.
Preventative maintenance usually includes checking refrigerant levels, tightening electrical connections, inspecting the blower and motor, testing safety controls, and cleaning the condenser coils. These services may seem minor, but collectively they go a long way toward keeping your system running efficiently and extending its lifespan. Something as small as a loose wire or low refrigerant can cascade into a major issue if left unresolved during heavy usage months.
Additionally, an early inspection gives you a chance to ask your technician about any performance issues you’ve noticed. It’s a great time to discuss things like inconsistent temperatures or longer cooling cycles. These subtle signs can point to deeper issues and are easier to fix when caught early. As an added bonus, regular maintenance often keeps manufacturer warranties valid, which could save you thousands on unexpected repairs down the road.
In short, don’t wait until your home is sweltering to give your air conditioner the attention it deserves. Scheduling seasonal maintenance before summer officially arrives is one of the smartest steps you can take to avoid costly Ocean County air conditioner repairs. Think of it as insurance for your comfort.
