Considering all the heat advisories the Cincinnati area has experienced this summer, your air conditioner is probably working very hard. And that means it's producing a lot of condensation because of all the moisture it's removing from the air. This could spell trouble if your air conditioner is leaky, as all that extra moisture could cause water to drip down a wall or pool on a floor. Before a small problem becomes a big issue, call your A/C technician for expert advice. He can get to the root of the problem and correct it. Here are some preventive measures that you can take yourself. 

Schedule annual maintenance
A service check and tune-up before the start of the cooling season is your best assurance that your air conditioner will give you a full summer of trouble-free cooling. During this service check, your technician will:

• Check refrigerant levels, as well as the electrical components, controls and condenser.
• Clean the condenser and evaporator coils.
• Calibrate the thermostat. 
• Change or clean the air filter.

During this service check and tune-up, ask your technician to treat the drain pan with algaecide. This will keep the drain pan -- which helps to divert water to the outside of your home -- clog free. If you forgot to have your system maintained at the start of the season, schedule an appointment now. Cincinnati will have many more muggy days before the weather gets cooler. 

Check the air filter 
A dirty air filter will force your system to work too hard, putting stress on your system and increasing your risk of problems, including leaks. Check the filter frequently during the cooling season. Replace it or clean it -- depending on the type of filter your system requires -- as soon as it looks dirty.

Safety float switch
Ask your service technician to install a safely float switch if your system doesn't have one already. This device will automatically shut off your system if water pools in the drain pan. When the air conditioner goes off, you'll know that you need to call in your expert to correct the problem. 

For more expert advice, call Tri-County Heating & Cooling. We serve homeowners in Butler County and the Greater Cincinnati area.