Man checking gauges

If you've ever experienced an air conditioning breakdown in the middle of Maryland summer heat, you know that it's an experience to be avoided. That's why we've put together this list of tips to keep your air conditioning system operational and functional.

Turn the system off when mowing grass nearby.

It doesn't take much for lawn clippings to enter the outdoor coil, that's the exterior wall of the outside unit, the air conditioner or heat pump. So when mowing nearby, turn the thermostat to off temporarily. It's also necessary to check around the equipment and clear any vegetation or brush away from the sides.

Check to ensure all the air supply vents are open and free from obstruction.

Proper airflow is important for all air conditioning systems. Return air grills (where room air is brought back to the air conditioning system) are particularly important.

Level the equipment pad.

As the area around the Air Conditioner or Heat Pump settles, the pad that supports the unit can become uneven. It's important for continued reliability that the Air Conditioner be level, or in the case of a Heat Pump, only a slight slope occurs. A certified contractor can help in this area.

Pest control can really help.

In several cities around the country, ants and bugs can be attracted to the electrical components within the outdoor Air Conditioner or Heat Pump. These bugs may actually cause the unit to malfunction and not start. An environmentally safe pesticide spread around the base of the unit can help prevent insect infestation.

If you don't have one yet, get a programmable thermostat now.

The EPA estimates that the proper use of a programmable thermostat can save as much as 15% on the Air Conditioning portion of your home's energy costs. Service Experts recommends a NEST Thermostat for its learning properties to automate the programming of the thermostat.

For optimum comfort, it's important for the Air Conditioner to have longer run cycles.

Longer run cycles (cycles are the length of time that the system operates to cool the home) helps remove more humidity from the air and provides a much more comfortable living environment. Short cycles may not adequately remove moisture from the air and could lead to a "clammy" or "damp" environment. In many instances, the indoor air blower can adjust the humidity, improving overall comfort. A professional Air Conditioning company can help in this area.

Be sure your system is healthy.

Make sure that a qualified professional has looked at your air conditioning unit to be sure there are no parts that need to be replaced or repairs to be made. Small issues now can lead to huge (and expensive) problems down the road if left untreated. Warner Service suggests a maintenance agreement to eliminate fears of wear and tear for your HVAC equipment.

Download Our HVAC Maintenance Checklist