It never fails. On the hottest day of the year, the air conditioner in your home starts blowing out warm air or stops operating entirely. Along with hundreds of other people in our town, you reach for the phone to call your HVAC specialist, and wait out the heat until relief arrives. While not all A/C problems can be prevented, here are a few tips that can be used to reduce the likeliness of this happening to you this summer.
Max-Out the Air Flow
For the A/C system to work correctly, you need to ensure the air is pulling through properly, including recirculating air inside your home. If the air flow is blocked in any way, it can end up translating to money out of pocket for you. To assure you have the manufacturer suggested air flow, make sure to keep clear the immediate area around the vents - indoors and outside. This includes trimming 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. We are not suggesting that this will prevent problems, it can help bring down the humidity in your Atlanta area home. This can provide a more comfortable environment, plus keep mold spores from growing in your home.
Get Rid of Any Pests
For some reason certain bugs and pests are attracted to air conditioning units, which can be damaging 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 rest on a concrete slab or other platform, allowing them a level base of operation. However, just like a home’s foundation, your A/C’s platform can also sink or settle into the ground, hindering the performance of the air conditioner. Keep an eye on your outdoor component to make sure that the base continues to stay level.
Naturally, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are very important to keep your air conditioner running smoothly. Call 678-235-9699 to schedule annual maintenance service before the summer starts to ensure your system is ready to face the hot days ahead. By following these simple tips, you may be able to decrease the chance of several common A/C problems and have a stress-free and climate controlled home all summer.