(888) 388-1845

Main Office:
600 Gallatin Street NE
Washington, DC 20017

Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips

If you live in Washington, DC, Maryland (MD) or Virginia (VA,) or you know nothing is worse than an air conditioning problem when the seasons start to change.

To prevent an air conditioning problem and to extend the life of your air conditioning unit, follow these simple air conditioning maintenance tips:

1. Don’t put off air conditioning repairs when you have an HVAC problem. 
   Running your central air conditioning unit when it isn’t working properly can turn a potentially small problem into a much larger one, costing you more in the long run.
2. Check or change your air conditioning filter monthly (or per the manufactures specifications). 
   Dirty filters reduce efficiency and restrict airflow to your evaporator coil that can cause your air conditioning system to breakdown.
3. Use your garden hose to clean your outdoor air conditioning condensing unit to allow proper airflow. 
   Your outdoor air conditioning unit needs to draw air into the central system to cool inside, but if the unit is blocked by bushes, covered in leaves or clogged with dirt, the process is inhibited and becomes inefficient.
4. If you have a digital thermostat, make sure the batteries are still good. 
   An electronic, programmable thermostat saves energy and prevents wear and tear on your air conditioning system, but only when it’s running properly with full power.

Energy Efficient Air Conditioning Tips

1. Keep your air conditioning thermostat at a reasonable temperature setting. 
   The ideal temperature setting should be comfortable – not too hot and not too cold. Keeping your air conditioning set around 72° will keep your room comfortable and reduce energy demands on your air conditioning unit.
2. Use a programmable thermostat. 
   If your house is empty during the day, turn the air conditioning down to reduce the energy demand. As long as the house stays closed up, the temperature will remain fairly stable for a substantial amount of time.
3. Invest in regular, scheduled maintenance for your air conditioning system. 
   Regular maintenance can help prevent air conditioning problems before they arise. For commercial and residential air conditioning customers who use their air conditioning on a daily basis, we recommend having the system checked at least four times a year.
4. When you have doors and windows open, turn the air conditioning unit down or off all together. 
   Opening windows and doors lets warm air in, making your air conditioning unit work harder. If you can isolate your air conditioning to individual rooms, close the rooms with windows open and turn off the air conditioning in those rooms.

Do It Yourself Air Conditioning Repair

Common A/C Problems

• If the air conditioning compressor doesn’t turn on, check the fuse or breaker.
• If your air conditioning runs but doesn’t cool, the refrigerant could be low.
• If you’re only receiving partial cooling from your air conditioning unit, make sure the outdoor condensing unit and filter are clean.
• If it looks like your air conditioner is leaking, check for holes or leaks in the condensate pump.
• If your air conditioner is producing an odor, check and replace the air conditioning filter.

If you’re ever in doubt about your air conditioning unit, have a question about an air conditioning problem or know you need air conditioning repair, contact Magnolia Heating & Air Conditioning today! We have 24-hour emergency air conditioning service and can come to your Washington, DC, Maryland or Northern Virginia home or business to get your air conditioning back in working order.

Ready to learn more? Call us today! (888) 388-1845