Top 3 Ways to Avoid Air Conditioner Breakdowns

Summer in Sacramento can get unbearably hot, and the last thing any homeowner wants is for their air conditioner to give out during a heatwave. Unfortunately, unexpected AC breakdowns are all too common, and they always seem to happen at the worst possible time. At Love and Care Heating and Air, we believe in helping our customers stay cool, comfortable, and stress-free. That’s why we’re sharing the top three ways you can avoid air conditioner breakdowns and keep your system running smoothly all summer long.

1. Schedule Regular Maintenance (Don’t Skip It!)

Think of AC maintenance like an oil change for your car—skipping it can lead to major issues down the road. Regular maintenance not only helps your system run more efficiently but also prevents small problems from becoming big, expensive repairs.

During a routine AC tune-up, our certified technicians will:

• Inspect and clean coils
• Check refrigerant levels
• Tighten electrical connections
• Lubricate moving parts
• Clear the condensate drain
• Check the airflow and thermostat operation

When your system gets this kind of professional attention once or twice a year (ideally in the spring), you’ll reduce wear and tear, improve energy efficiency, and greatly reduce the risk of a surprise breakdown.

Bonus: Priority Service for Maintenance Plan Members
At Love and Care Heating and Air, we offer an affordable maintenance plan that includes scheduled tune-ups, discounts on repairs, and priority service when you need us most. It’s peace of mind that pays for itself!

2. Replace or Clean Air Filters Monthly

It might sound too simple to make a difference, but dirty air filters are one of the most common causes of AC breakdowns. When your air filter gets clogged with dust, pet hair, and pollen, your air conditioner has to work harder to push air through the system. That added strain can cause overheating, frozen coils, or even a complete shutdown.

To avoid this, make it a habit to:

• Check your air filter every month, especially during the summer.
• Replace disposable filters or clean reusable ones as needed.
• Use high-quality filters that match your system’s specifications.
• Not only will your system thank you, but your indoor air quality will improve too—great news for anyone with allergies or asthma.

3. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear

Your AC’s outdoor condenser unit plays a huge role in the cooling process. It releases the heat that your system pulls from inside your home. But if it’s surrounded by leaves, dirt, weeds, or patio furniture, it can’t do its job efficiently—and that can lead to overheating and a breakdown.

Here’s how to protect your outdoor unit:

• Trim back plants and grass at least 2-3 feet around the unit.
• Remove any debris like sticks, leaves, or mulch that collects around it.
• Rinse the condenser coils gently with a hose a couple of times during the season (but be careful not to bend the fins).
• Never place anything on top of the unit or cover it while it’s in use.
• A little landscaping attention goes a long way toward keeping your air conditioner breathing easy.

Stay Cool with Help from Sacramento’s Trusted HVAC Team

Your air conditioner is a big investment, and taking care of it doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a little effort and the support of a professional HVAC partner, you can prevent breakdowns, extend the life of your system, and avoid costly emergency calls.

At Love and Care Heating and Air, we’re here to help Sacramento homeowners stay cool, no matter how high the temperatures climb. Whether you need a pre-season tune-up, an honest repair, or advice on upgrading your AC, we treat every customer like family—because that’s just how we do business.

Need a tune-up or repair? Call us today Let’s keep your air conditioner running strong all summer long.