Tips to keep your AC running smooth when temperatures heat up

D’IBERVILLE, Miss. (WXXV) — Another stretch of triple-digit heat index values has south Mississippi residents cranking up the air conditioning, but running your AC nonstop could actually increase the risk of a breakdown.

With temperatures continuing to soar across the coast, the heat isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s putting air conditioning systems to the test.

“So one of the most common reasons why ACs will break down in extreme heat is because people will run it very low, and then your system has to work extra hard to get your house down to that temperature in this heat, so it’s working double time,” said Brenton Marcucci with Ball Heating and Air Conditioning.

Experts say taking a few preventative measures now can help reduce wear and tear on your air conditioner and lower the chances of a breakdown during extreme heat.

“Definitely getting it maintenance, making sure you have a good amount of insulation inside your attic, making sure you stop all air leaks, and making sure your duct work is sealed,” said Marcucci. “Take a garden hose to the outdoor coils and just gently rinse it down at least once in the summer and once in the fall.”

Getting your system maintenance at least twice a year is important to make sure it stays running smoothly. Experts with Ball Heating and AC say that with routine maintenance, homeowners can typically go a few years without having any issues, but there are signs to look out for to know when your system may be crashing.

“When your AC is blowing but it’s not blowing cold — that’s one of the first ones, and then you start seeing moisture around your vents,” he said.

High temperatures can be dangerous, so if your AC calls it quits, reach out to your local HVAC specialists to get your home back to cool comfort.