Your air conditioning system is a major investment, right up there with a new car. But unlike your shiny new ride, which you wash, wax, and get regular oil changes for, most of us tend to treat our AC units more like a beater. Whether you’re squeezing another summer out of an old R22 system or protecting a brand-new high-efficiency unit, giving your AC the care it needs can make all the difference in how long it lasts.
Here are some of the most common issues our technicians come across, and how you can avoid them.
Don't Set Things on Top of Your Air Conditioner
The flat top of your outdoor condenser might look like a great spot for flower pots, tool bags, or even a quick place to set something down while working in the yard. But blocking the top of the unit restricts airflow, keeping it from pulling heat out of your home effectively. Leaving something there for an extended period of time, even just a few hours, can be harmful to the system if running at full capacity. This equates to higher energy bills and a shorter system lifespan.
Covers used during winter or storms can cause similar problems, especially if they’re not removed before the system kicks back on. Manufacturer guidelines typically don’t recommend using covers at all, and leaving one on during the cooling season can (and will) lead to major performance issues or even system failure.
Keep Pets Away From Your Unit
Pet owners, this one’s for you. Shedding pets mean your air filter fills up much faster, sometimes 2–3 times more quickly than in pet-free homes. If you’ve got furry friends in the house, you’ll need to change your filters more often to keep airflow steady and clean.
Outside, dogs can unintentionally wreak havoc on your condenser unit. Pet urine is acidic and can corrode aluminum fins and copper coils, leading to leaks and breakdowns. Even rubbing against or scratching the unit can cause pet hair to clog the fins and impact performance. If possible, install a small barrier or train pets to steer clear of the area.
(From personal experience, I personally have a yellow lab that sheds so much, we have to wash the unit out twice a year as she loves to use it to scratch her back and sides.)
Give Your AC Some Breathing Room
Airflow is everything when it comes to your AC unit. If bushes, tall grass, weeds, or fences crowd the sides of your unit, it’s essentially trying to breathe through a straw. Simply leaning a wheelbarrow, lawn tools, or propping open a screen door too close to one side can restrict airflow and impact performance.
Make sure there’s at least 2-3 feet of clearance on all sides of your outdoor unit. This space helps the system release heat more effectively, which reduces strain and increases efficiency.
Watch That Dryer Vent
If your dryer vent points directly at your AC condenser, all that lint and humidity can coat the coil and reduce efficiency. If you notice one side of the unit getting dirty quickly, the vent might be too close. Ideally, the vent should be at least 5–6 feet away, and pointed in a direction that won’t blow debris onto the unit.
Be Careful When Mowing or Trimming
Your lawn care routine can unintentionally damage your AC. Flying debris from a mower or weed trimmer (grass clippings, rocks, sticks, gravel) can ding the fins or clog the coil, leading to poor performance and increased wear.
When mowing, always blow clippings away from the unit. And when trimming weeds, watch your distance to avoid hitting the fins or tossing debris into the system.
Change. Your. Filter.
We can’t stress this enough, changing your air filter regularly is the single most important thing you can do for your HVAC system. It keeps air flowing smoothly, improves air quality, and reduces wear and tear on your system.
If you’re unsure where your filter is located, how to access it, or what size to get, just ask us next time we’re out for a maintenance visit, we’ll be happy to show you. And if getting filters is a hassle, let us know. We can help with that too!
Want to get really serious with airflow? Consider requesting a free duct cleaning estimate by calling us today.
Schedule Regular Maintenance with Kingdom Air
At the end of the day, a well-maintained system lasts longer. Preventative maintenance does more than just keep things running, it helps protect your investment.
Clearing your drain line helps prevent water leaks and protects vital electrical components. Replacing worn-out capacitors and contactors before they fail helps you avoid emergency breakdowns and costly repairs. Cleaning coils and checking refrigerant levels improves efficiency and keeps your home more comfortable.
Want peace of mind? Schedule a one-time tune-up for just $89 or join our Club Membership for $179 a year on most systems. You’ll get seasonal tune-ups, priority service ahead of non club members, 15% off repairs, and the satisfaction of knowing your system is in expert hands.
Call Kingdom Air to schedule your tune-up at 812-486-3840, or read more about our maintenance service HERE.
