AC Maintenance Arizona: Tips to Prevent AC Breakdowns in Arizona Summers

We’re no strangers to high temperatures here in Arizona, but these past few summers have been pushing it.

Last year alone, we saw record summer temperatures in the Phoenix area, and even this year’s spring saw new daily heat records.

Though there’s no good time for your AC to fail, it’s clear that a breakdown during the warmest months is a recipe for disaster.

That’s why regular AC maintenance in Arizona is crucial for homeowners.

Though expert help is always ideal if you want to ensure your unit is in top shape, there’s also plenty you can do on your own.

Let’s take a look at a few simple ways to keep your AC in good condition for this summer and beyond.

Check Your Air Filter

This is an obvious AC maintenance tip that people often forget: check and change your filter!

Experts recommend changing your air filter every 30 to 90 days.

You may need to change it more or less often depending on your household makeup and how often you turn on your AC.

A dirty air filter means that your AC has to struggle to push air through the clogged surface.

This, in turn, can make your AC less effective, causing it to work harder to bring your home to your desired temperature.

The strain on your system can cause serious issues over time, so make your AC’s job easier by checking the filter often.

Clean Your Outdoor Unit

You may not know that a tidy outdoor unit can help you prevent AC breakdowns, but it’s true.

Because your outdoor unit is exposed to the elements, it’s possible for debris, a buildup of dirt, or even overgrown plants to find their way onto it.

These issues may seem minor, but enough debris can impact your system.

If something is blocking the vents, for example, it can compromise your airflow.

If dust or dirt settles over the condenser coils, it gets harder for your unit to vent your home’s heat outdoors.

Take some time to do a quick check around your outdoor unit.

Trim back the landscaping, remove any debris, and even spray down the condenser coils if you feel comfortable doing so.

You should repeat this check and cleanup each spring before you start using your AC as well as after severe storms.

It’s also a good idea to put a protective cover over your outdoor unit in the cooler months when you aren’t using it.

Though this HVAC tip won’t help you this summer, the added protection can keep your outdoor unit safe from debris during the late fall and winter months.

Just keep in mind that you should never run your AC with the cover on.

Keep Your Vents Open

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to the perfect temperature, so you might find that some members of your household close the vents in their rooms.

You might also think it’s a good idea to close the vents in rooms you don’t spend much time in, which would theoretically save energy.

However, your air conditioner uses its vents to cool your home evenly and to better manage its air circulation.

These vents help to release pressure from within your air ducts.

Closing them can allow pressure to build up in your system, causing unnecessary strain.

In other words, don’t close your vents!

Always keep them open, and make sure you haven’t blocked them with furniture or other obstructions either.

If you must control the airflow in each part of your home, consider switching to a ductless AC.

Don’t Overwork Your AC

Everyone loves coming home to a nice, crisp chill in the air, but this can be a good way to ensure an AC breakdown.

The recommended AC temperature in the summer months is 78 degrees.

This temperature helps you balance both comfort and savings.

Dipping down to much cooler temperatures may feel refreshing, but it can be hard on your air conditioner.

Given the high outdoor temperatures here in Arizona, your unit will have to struggle much harder to overcome the extreme heat and keep your home chilled.

It’s also a smart move to raise the temperature when you’re away at work or asleep at night.

If you have a hard time remembering to do this, consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat if you haven’t already.

Smart thermostats can not only help you save energy but also increase the lifespan of your air conditioner.

By preventing overuse, they keep your system from struggling against the temperatures outside.

Get Professional Tune-Ups

Here’s an HVAC tip you likely saw coming: call the experts!

While there are plenty of small things you can do on your own to prevent an AC breakdown, these strategies are nothing compared to what a pro can do for your system.

A technician can calibrate every inch of your indoor and outdoor unit, ensuring energy savings and better efficiency.

As you might guess, an AC unit that has clean and well-maintained parts is likely to run for far longer.

Even better, professionals can also catch and fix small problems before they snowball out of control.

If you don’t have an annual maintenance plan, make sure you’re calling for a check-up anytime you spot a minor issue.

Calling an Arizona AC service right away can ensure that you catch these problems before a breakdown can occur.

Call for AC Maintenance in Arizona

Ready to keep breakdowns at bay?

Focusing on the tips above can help you increase the lifespan of your AC while ensuring that your system keeps you cool all summer long.

When it comes to AC maintenance Arizona homeowners can trust, our team is here to help.

At Mark Daniels Air Conditioning & Heating, we’re proud to offer expert maintenance, friendly service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

To schedule service, give us a call at (480) 571-7219 or send a request through our online form.

Hopefully the tips in this article will help you prevent an AC breakdown this summer! If you are worried about your AC’s performance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Mark Daniels AC can help with AC maintenance in Arizona, as well as repairs and replacement. We have been providing AC services in Chandler and surrounding areas since 1996. Call  (480) 571-7219 or request service online today!

 

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