Your air conditioning system is the unsung hero of your home, quietly battling heat and humidity so you can enjoy summer in cool comfort. When the temperature outside soars, your AC unit works overtime. Giving it the TLC it deserves helps you dodge untimely breakdowns and soaring energy bills. Plus, it means you’ll squeeze more value from your investment!
We’re excited to unpack fun and practical strategies to keep your AC humming flawlessly through the years. From cleaning coils to upgrading your thermostat, each tip adds up to real-dollar savings.
Schedule Annual Professional Maintenance
Bringing in an Arlinghaus technician once a year is like giving your AC a full-service spa day. During this visit, we’ll examine key components in the condenser, like the compressor, evaporator coils, capacitor, refrigerant levels, and much more. We’ll lubricate moving parts, check for hidden leak points, and fine-tune airflow so your system performs with peak energy efficiency.
This comprehensive tune-up wards off expensive emergency repairs and improves indoor air quality. What’s more, having an AC log with documented inspections can help uphold your manufacturer’s warranty.
If you’ve ever dealt with an untimely breakdown during a heatwave, you’ll appreciate that a little proactive care helps you save big on both comfort and money.
Change or Clean Your Air Filter Every 1–3 Months
Your air filter is the first line of defense for keeping dust and debris out of the AC system. When it’s clogged, airflow weakens, straining the compressor to consume more electricity. That means higher cost and higher risk of wear-and-tear.
Changing or washing your filter regularly, typically every one to three months, keeps airflow strong and helps maintain air conditioning performance, reducing stress on parts like the blower motor. If you have a reusable washable version, make sure to clean it carefully and let it dry before popping it back in.
We recommend checking your air filter at least once a month if you have pets, live in a dusty area, or use your system non-stop. Consider upgrading to a higher-MERV filter to reduce allergens and boost indoor air quality!
Clean Outdoor Unit: Coils & Remove Debris
Your outdoor AC condenser is exposed to nature’s whims: grass clippings, wind-blown debris, leaves, twigs, and even pollen and dirt flying around your backyard. When that accumulates on the coils, heat transfer is impaired, and the compressor must work harder to keep things cool. That extra grind wears down parts and drives up energy consumption.
Once a month during the cooling season, gently spray the coils with a garden hose — no pressure washer! Remove around two feet of vegetation on each side to give it breathing room. If you sense more heavy buildup, schedule a coil cleaning with our team. That attention to detail prevents overheating and keeps your entire air conditioning system running smoother and quieter.
Keep Vents Clear & Check for Proper Airflow
Even the fanciest air conditioner can’t do its job if cooled air can’t flow through the ducts and vents. Obstructed vents limit airflow, so your system ramps up runtime, and you feel uneven temperature levels around the house. Over time, restricted air can damage your blower, increase wear and tear, and drain your budget.
Walk through your rooms monthly and make sure furniture, rugs, or curtains aren’t blocking return vents or supply registers. For carpeted floors with floor vents, clean regularly to prevent buildup of dust and pet hair. Have a professional inspection of your HVAC ductwork at least once every three years. You might discover hidden leaks or misaligned duct lines that are undermining your system’s performance.
Clean & Seal Ductwork, Insulate Your Home
Leaky or poorly sealed ducts waste cold air into uncooled spaces like your attic, basement, or crawl space. That means your AC has to work overtime just to hit your desired comfort level, which impacts efficiency and shortens the life expectancy of key components. By sealing joints and insulating ducts, you can reduce energy loss by 20% or more!
A qualified technician can perform a duct inspection to find hidden leaks. Meanwhile, upgrading your attic or basement insulation reduces thermal transfer through your walls and ceilings, so the cool air can be contained in your home rather than seep outdoors. That’s better comfort, lower energy consumption, and long-term savings.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Say hello to the next level of temperature control! A smart thermostat is a step up from a programmable thermostat because it tunes your system intelligently, reducing runtime when no one’s home and stepping up when you return. That’s better energy efficiency, reduced wear, and a nice boost to your AC’s lifespan.
These wise gadgets learn your routine and adjust cooling cycles to minimize unnecessary heat transfer. Many also track humidity levels, helping your system keep indoor air comfortable and guard against mold. And let’s not forget remote access — if you’ve left for a vacation, your phone can double-check and adjust your space conditions instantly. Some models even alert you when it’s time to change your air filter or schedule a service.
Shade Outdoor Unit & Moderate Temperature Use
Your AC unit is happiest when it’s in the shade. Direct sunlight hitting the condenser raises the work the compressor does, leading to higher energy draw and quicker wear. If you can, provide shade with plants, awnings, or a louvered screen while keeping at least two feet of clearance for airflow.
Inside, adjust your thermostat to a higher temperature when you’re out. Each degree saved translates into reduced runtime. In the evenings, consider using a ceiling fan or opening a window for cross-ventilation; these options let you raise the thermostat setting without feeling a degree warmer.
It’s all about smart climate habits that keep your system cool, calm, and collected.
Address Repairs Promptly
When a problem pops up — an odd noise, an unusual short cycling, a slight decline in performance — don’t wait. Ignoring warning signs often leads to bigger breakdowns and more costly repairs down the road. Even small issues like a dirty air filter or low refrigerant levels can escalate quickly.
Call Arlinghaus for AC repair in Erlanger, Cincinnati, or one of the nearby areas. We’ll run troubleshooting steps, test voltages, verify the refrigerant charge, and spot failing components before they fail completely. Early repairs preserve your air conditioner’s efficiency, maintain the manufacturer’s warranty, and extend its life. You’ll also sleep easier knowing your unit won’t give out during a heatwave or in an emergency.
Signs It’s Time for a New AC System
Sometimes, it’s wiser to upgrade than patch. Look out for these red flags:
- Age Over 10 Years: Older systems lose efficiency, and parts become scarce.
- Frequent Repairs: High service costs signal diminishing returns.
- R-22 and R-410A Refrigerant Phase-Out: New codes require upgraded systems.
- Rising Electric Bills: Rocketing energy consumption even after no apparent change.
- Inconsistent Cooling: Weak output, hot spots, increased runtime.
- Loud Operation: Excessive noise from compressor, fan, or condenser.
- Comfort Investments Elsewhere: You’ve added a new furnace, heat pump, or integrated humidifier, but your AC system is still old.
- Warranty Expired: After the manufacturer’s coverage runs out, replacement may be cheaper.
If you’re checking enough of these boxes, investing in a new air conditioning system isn’t just smart — it’s cost-effective over the long haul.
Arlinghaus Helps Keep Your House a Happy House
When you decide it’s time to schedule an AC tune-up in Erlanger or one of the surrounding communities, Arlinghaus stands ready. We’re your go-to experts in Northern Kentucky, Greater Cincinnati, and Southeast Indiana.
We’re all about a balanced blend of family warmth and technical skill. Our licensed technicians come to the rescue fast, not just when equipment fails but before a breakdown strikes. Contact us today!
