Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re a brand-new resident, you’ve likely heard the city of Phoenix referred to as an urban heat island.

Perhaps you’ve wondered if what some reporters say about Phoenix being unlivable is true.

Summers here often feel unbearably hot—that’s undeniable—but unlivable? Weather doesn’t seem to have much of an effect on more and more people moving to the Valley of the Sun.

To help you keep your home comfortable year-round, we’ve put together some information you’ll want to read today.

It’s a guide on how to prevent AC repairs in Phoenix.

With a well-maintained cooling system, anyone can live in the Phoenix area and not lose their cool.

1. Start Each Season with a Clean Air Filter

It doesn’t matter where you live; running an air conditioner with a dirty filter can make your AC system work harder than it needs to work.

It’s a recipe for a breakdown caused by premature wear and tear.

The air filter acts as a gatekeeper for your cooling system. It traps fine dust particles, animal dander, and allergens.

A dirty air filter can no longer trap what you don’t want to circulate in your indoor air.

Your air filter doesn’t only defend your airspace. It protects your HVAC system.

Reduced airflow and uneven cooling cause some of the most common AC problems.

Often the root of both is an air filter clogged with debris.

The climate in Phoenix is dusty by nature, so it makes sense to minimize the dust in your home by keeping the AC filter clean.

2. Tune Up the Thermostat

Another way to minimize the need for AC repairs is to take a minute and inspect your thermostat.

You’ll notice the outside gets dusty often, but dust also accumulates on the inside.

Dust the outside with a clean cloth. Use a soft brush to dust inside.

A thermostat tune-up should also include replacing the batteries.

After you clean the unit and put the cover back on, it’s time to test it.

Here’s are the steps:

Set the thermostat to COOL and the fan to AUTO
Turn the thermostat up a few degrees
Wait about 3-5 minutes for the AC to turn on

If the AC doesn’t kick on, call your HVAC technician to come out and troubleshoot.

Tip: If you haven’t upgraded to one of the modern Smart thermostats, talk to your HVAC technician about installing one.

3. Check the Vents

You might not realize how critical air vents are to preventing costly AC repairs.

If they’re blocked, they obstruct airflow. Poor airflow causes your AC unit to work harder than it should.

Two everyday items interfere with airflow: furniture and boxes.

Take a minute and do a walk-through of your home to ensure you don’t have anything blocking your air vents.

It’s a simple thing you can do to make it easier for your air conditioner to pump cool air into the rooms in your home.

Clearing vents can also help reduce unnecessary stress on your AC.

4. Have Your Ductwork Inspected

Another vital component of your cooling system is the air ducts.

They’re connected to the air vents, so keeping them in top shape means less worry about poor airflow.

With age, ductwork can develop cracks that allow air to escape before it ever reaches your airspace.

Aging ductwork can also sag or break altogether.

In other parts of the country, where basements are more common, it’s not difficult for a homeowner to make a preliminary inspection of their ductwork.

Here in Phoenix, unless your home is one of the few that has an unfinished basement, you’ll need to have your HVAC company check out the ductwork.

What’s the big deal about a little escaped air?

It’s about efficiency. An air conditioner that doesn’t run efficiently may wear out sooner, resulting in more frequent repairs.

5. Clean the Outside Unit

Did you know dirty condenser coils can cause your AC to blow hot air? So can insufficient lubricant, blocked suction lines, and electrical problems.

While it’s best to leave the other potential troublemakers in the qualified hands of an experienced HVAC specialist, you can clean your outside AC unit yourself.

First, remove any yard debris from around the outside unit. You can also trim back any shrubs or grass.

Here’s how you clean the condenser coils:

Remove the protective grill and the unit cover
Remove dust and debris from the coil fins
Remove grimy buildup with a garden hose

Dirty or blocked condenser coils can cause your AC to take longer to cool your home.

If you ask Phoenix area HVAC contractors about the most common home AC repairs, they’ll likely talk about overheating and breakdowns caused by dirty condenser coils.

6. Sign Up for a Maintenance Plan

Living in Phoenix means it’s vital that you optimize your AC’s performance. Aside from the more straightforward DIY tasks, there are other things involved in keeping your AC in good working order.

Regular AC maintenance performed by a qualified HVAC technician helps prevent common AC problems.

Yes, maintenance usually includes changing the air filter, inspecting ductwork, and cleaning the condenser coils, but that’s not all you get when signing up for an AC maintenance plan.

Your system should also receive the following checks:

Mechanical parts
Thermostat (including calibration)
Lubrication
Refrigerant level
Air quality

AC maintenance plans help ensure your system runs efficiently. They’re also your first line of defense to prevent common AC problems and repairs.

We Help Homeowners Prevent AC Repairs in Phoenix

We love seeing homeowners take proactive steps to get the most from their AC systems.

It’s great if you can take care of changing air filters and keeping up with routine checks on your thermostat, air vents, and outside condenser unit.

Why not let Scottsdale Air Heating and Cooling experts take care of the rest?

Our team specializes in helping customers prevent AC repairs in Phoenix because we understand the unique climate and how it impacts your cooling system.

With over 70 years of experience working with all types of AC units, there’s not a problem we haven’t tackled.

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Are you looking for a reliable AC company to help with Air Conditioning Repairs in Phoenix, AZ? The team at Scottsdale Air Heating & Cooling has been serving the valley for over 75 years! Call 480-745-7200 or request service online! …*Yes, We DO offer Financing Options.

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