When warm weather rolls in, homeowners want to be certain that their air conditioner is up to the task of keeping them cool and comfortable. Nobody wants to flip that switch the first time only to hear a ghastly rattle, a high-pitched whine or worse… complete silence. In order to be certain that your family will have a pleasant summer while indoors, regular tests and checks are recommended throughout the year to ensure that your AC unit is functioning and prepared. In this post, we’re going to look at a few of the most common causes of air conditioner malfunction and, more importantly, how to prevent them. Mechanical failure If your air conditioner isn’t in optimal shape, several of its critical components can be negatively affected. If you find that your air conditioning unit is cycling on and off repeatedly, it is likely causing wear and tear to internal components that could lead to a serious malfunction. A good way to prevent your AC from turning on and off is to supplement it with ceiling or standing fans. By circulating air throughout your house, a fan will help your AC unit run more efficiently and reduce the stress placed on it. Lack of maintenance Just like your car, your air conditioner requires periodic tune-ups to ensure its long-term health. And, again, like a car, allowing these tune-ups to fall by the wayside can lead to a decrease in performance and, in some cases, a complete breakdown. To avoid this, it is important to check your air conditioner’s filters and coils for any dirt or buildup that could interfere with the unit’s compressor or fans. An easy way to be sure that you avoid AC problems come summer is to schedule a yearly tune-up at the tail end of winter or during the early spring. Thermostat issues Aside from the air conditioner parts, external devices such as faulty thermostats can be trouble. If it’s been a while since you last changed the batteries in your thermostat, you may consider doing so for a number of reasons. First, drained or depleted batteries can cause your thermostat to function improperly. Second, if your batteries die, you risk losing the settings that you have created to keep your home comfortable. At Metzger’s Heating & Cooling, we want everyone to have a pleasant – and cool – summer. With our affordable pricing and 100% satisfaction guarantee, we’re certain that you’ll rest easier knowing that your home’s AC is in working order.