You’ve probably experienced this one. On the hottest day of the year, the air conditioner in your home begins blowing out warm air or stops running altogether. Along with hundreds of other people in our community, you grab 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 minimize the possibility of this happening to you this summer.
Ensure Maximum Air Flow
To work properly, your air conditioner needs to pull air through the system, including recirculating air throughout the rooms of your home. If Air blockage or obstruction of any kind can cause problems in your unit. 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 scaling back vegetation and cleaning dirt away from vents.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is an easy addition to help lower your energy expenses and control the temperature of your Tempe area home. Set your thermostat to be on only when you are actually in your home.
Another tip is to program your thermostat for lengthier run-cycles. While this action won’t prevent problems, it can help reduce humidity in your Tempe area home. This can provide a more comfortable environment, as well as keep mold spores from developing in your home.
Watch Out for Those Pests
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 to keep them from “bugging” your air conditioner.
Stay Level
Nearly all outdoor A/C units are positioned on a concrete slab or other platform, permitting 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 ensure that the base continues to stay level.
Of course, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are very important to keep your air conditioner functioning well. Make sure to schedule a check up 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.