If your home’s central air conditioner doesn’t seem to be adequately cooling your living space, or your cooling bills seem higher than they have been in the past, you’ll want to implement some simple fixes before calling in an HVAC technician. Here are some essential troubleshooting tips for your A/C:

• Clear the area around the outside unit. If you have a split-system A/C, make sure the outside unit, also called the condensing unit, has free airflow. Be sure to clear away all leaves, sticks, cut grass and other yard debris from around the unit. For optimum cooling, the condensing coil needs a certain amount of air circulating across it.
• Check the air filter. A clogged filter can force your air handler to work harder when moving air through your air conditioning system. This wastes energy, stresses parts and undermines cooling performance. Additionally, dust and debris on A/C components can also inhibit efficiency. Make sure to inspect your filter monthly and change it when it looks dirty.
• Make sure all vents and registers in your home are clean and clear. If you see dust blowing out of registers, make sure to clean any accessible ductwork and grilles. Then, move any objects that may be restricting airflow, including rugs, furniture and drapes. Lastly, make sure all vents are open throughout your home.
• Check the condensate drain and pan. Your drain can clog up, letting water back up and pool around the pan. Water damage to floors, walls and fixtures can result, as well as mold growth.
• Install a new programmable thermostat. This is more of an upgrade that will enhance your cooling efficiency. With a programmable thermostat, you can set energy-saving temperatures according to your own daily and weekly schedule. Be sure to get some advice from your HVAC professional for the best selection and proper use of your new programmable thermostat.

For more advice on getting the most out of your cooling system, or to schedule a professional A/C maintenance inspection, please contact Overland Park Heating & Cooling, Inc. We serve Greater Kansas City and the surrounding communities.