Does this sound familiar?. On the hottest day of the year, the air conditioner in your home starts blowing out warm air or stops working entirely. Along with hundreds of other people in our community, you reach for the phone to call your HVAC specialist, and suffer with the heat until they arrive. While not all A/C problems can be prevented, here are a few tips that can be used to minimize the likeliness of this happening to you this summer.
Maximize Air Flow
A properly operating central air system must be able to pull the air through the unit, including recirculating air from within your home. If this process is obstructed in any way, it can result in trouble and repair costs. To ensure your air conditioner has the air flow it needs, make sure to keep clear the immediate area around the vents - indoors and outside. This includes cutting back vegetation and cleaning dirt away from vents.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Beyond helping reduce energy costs by regulating your home’s temperature, programmable thermostats can also help minimize impact on your system. Set your thermostat to be on only when you are actually in your home.
In addition, program your thermostat for extended run-cycles. While this action won’t prevent problems, it can help reduce humidity in your Canada area home. This can offer a more comfortable environment, plus keep mold spores from developing in your home.
Keep Pests at Bay
For some reason certain bugs and pests are attracted to air conditioning units, which can be harmful if they get inside the system. To keep ants and other pests away, use an eco-friendly pesticide around the base of the unit with a reasonably wide perimeter of 24 – 36 inches.
Stay Level
Nearly all outdoor A/C units are placed on a concrete slab or other platform, permitting them a level base of operation. However, the weight of the unit and ground moisture can cause your unit’s platform to sag or sink, limiting the performance of the air conditioner. Keep an eye on your outdoor component to ensure that the base continues to stay level.
Obviously, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are very important to keep your air conditioner operating as it should. Make sure to schedule annual maintenance service before the summer starts to ensure your system is ready to face the hot days ahead. Following these suggestions, you may be able to avoid A/C problems and have a stress-free and climate controlled home all summer.