You’ve probably experienced this one. On the hottest day of the year, the air conditioner in your home is blowing out warm air or stops running completely. Along with hundreds of other people in our community, you grab the phone to call your HVAC specialist, as you and your family brave the heat. While some A/C issues absolutely require a professional to service them, here are a few tips that can be used to minimize the chance 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 inside 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. Program your air conditioner for warmer temperatures when the home is empty or at night when it cools down outside.
In addition, program your thermostat for longer run-cycles. While this action won’t prevent problems, it can help reduce humidity in your Voorhees area home. This can offer a more comfortable environment, in addition to keep mold spores from thriving in your home.
Watch Out for Those Pests
For some reason certain bugs and pests are attracted to air conditioning units, which can be detrimental if they get inside the system. To keep ants and other pests away, use an eco-friendly pesticide around the base of the unit to keep them from “bugging” your air conditioner.
Stay Level
The majority of outdoor A/C units are placed on a concrete slab or other platform, giving them a level base of operation. However, over time these can settle or sag, limiting the performance of the air conditioner. Every now and then, look at your outdoor component to ensure that the base continues to stay level.
Obviously, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are also important to keep your air conditioner functioning well. Try to schedule annual maintenance service before the summer starts to ensure your system is ready to face the hot days ahead. Keeping these tips in mind, you may be able to avoid A/C problems and have a stress-free and climate controlled home all summer.