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Like any home appliance, air conditioners need a little TLC to deliver optimal performance. It's the ACs that haven't been kept in top-notch condition that tend to struggle most in hot weather.
To make sure you don't lose your cool once the weather heats up, we asked the specialists at Customer Reports and air conditioning system pros to recognize the most typical issues that emerge with window and main air conditioners. They highlighted 8 issues to fix now. Plus, you'll discover our list of top ac system for small, medium, and large rooms, below.
The No. 1 problem affects both window systems and main Air Conditioner systems, and-- we enjoy to report-- it's the most convenient to repair. Here are 8 questions to ask that will help you keep your Air Conditioning at peak performance all summer long.
1. Is the Filter Dirty?
No matter which kind of air conditioning system you have, a clogged up filter limits air flow, reducing effectiveness and decreasing the ability to effectively cool the air. If you haven't cleaned up the filter in your window or portable air conditioning system just recently, make certain you do and after that inspect it regularly. For central AC systems, examine the filter maker's suggestion for when to switch in a new one. In CR's tests, filters last anywhere from three to 12 months.
Just keep in mind that if your system is running continuously or if you have family pets, you will require to change your filters more frequently. "When we get calls about central air conditioning systems that aren't working well, 9 times out of 10 it's since of a filthy filter," says Stewart Unsdorfer, owner of Central Heating & Air Conditioning in Cleveland.
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2. Is It Too Sunny Within?
If your window A/C is in a window that gets direct sunlight in the heat of the day, it'll have to work more difficult to cool your area. If you have an option, move it to a shadier spot. If not, keep your shades and drapes drawn throughout the day to obstruct the sun and prevent it from heating up your house.
3. Is Warm Air Leaking In? Examine the seals around your window A/C to ensure hot air isn't getting in (or cold air isn't seeping out). Reseal around your unit with weather condition removing if needed.
" Many new window systems feature insulation panels to put over the plastic adjustable side panels," says Chris Regan, CR's senior air conditioner tester. "However to optimize effectiveness, you'll still need to use weather condition removing around the boundary of the unit. And constantly utilize the producer's installation and security hardware."
4. Is Your Window Air Conditioner Vibrating? A/c unit make lots of noise, consisting of from the whir of the fan and the noise of the compressor cycling on and off. These noises are regular. However if you hear a vibrating noise, it might indicate that your unit was installed improperly. Make certain it's sitting safely in the window and review the setup directions in your owner's manual to confirm that no actions were missed out on.
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5. Is the Thermostat on the Right Setting?
With a clever or programmable thermostat, you can more easily control the temperature level in your house so that it's comfortable when you exist and a bit warmer when you're not. If the temperature level seems off, make sure the thermostat isn't exposed to direct sunshine, which may cause it to sign up the incorrect temperature.
6. Are the Registers Dirty or Blocked?
If you have a forced-air heating & cooling system, frequently vacuum the registers to remove any dust accumulation. Ensure that furniture and other things aren't blocking the airflow through your signs up.
7. Are Plants Crowding the Compressor?
The outside compressor for central air requires sufficient airflow to work properly, so ensure there's at least 2 to 3 feet of space in between the compressor and any plants or structures. There must also be 5 feet of clearance in between the top of the system and any trees above.
8. Did You Remember the Yearly Checkup? An inspection by an A/C (heating, ventilation, and a/c) technician can capture any major problems prior to they worsen and leave you hot and bothered. The service technician will inspect all the moving parts, as well as the refrigerant, and charge the system if required.
Required a New A/C?
If your room air conditioning system is beyond repair work, you can find one that succeeded in our tests for as low as around $200 for a little system and upwards of $800 for a large one. Make certain you match the size of the ac system to the room it's indicated to cool. Below, we note Click here for info models in each size that performed well in CR's tests. You can discover more in our full air conditioning system scores.