Appliances

Before you call for help, check your air conditioner's filter. A dirty filter is the most common reason for poor cooling. It blocks airflow, making your unit work harder and less efficiently. Locate the filter behind the front panel or in your furnace's return air duct. If it looks gray and clogged with dust, it's time for a change. Slide out the old one and slide in a new one, making sure the arrows on the frame point in the direction of the airflow. Doing this simple swap every one to three months can prevent a lot of problems and keep your energy bills lower.

Another easy fix is to make sure your outdoor unit, called the condenser, has plenty of clear space around it. Over the season, leaves, grass clippings, and dirt can pile up against the metal fins, blocking air. First, turn the power off at the outdoor shut-off box. Then, gently rinse the fins with a garden hose, spraying from the inside out to push debris away. Be careful not to bend the delicate fins. Also, trim back any bushes or plants to give the unit at least two feet of clearance on all sides. This helps the hot air escape so the unit can cool your home properly.