It never fails. A heat wave is covering the Waldorf area and the air conditioner in your home begins blowing out warm air or stops working completely. Along with hundreds of other people in our community, you pick up the phone to call your HVAC specialist, and wait out the heat until relief arrives. While some A/C issues absolutely require a professional to service them, here are a few tips that can be used to lower the chance of this happening to you this summer.
Ensure Maximum 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 Air blockage or obstruction of any kind can result in trouble and repair costs. To ensure your air conditioner has the air flow it needs, make sure to keep the area clear around the vents - indoors and outside. This includes scaling 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. Adjust the temperature of your home to run less when you are at work or school, and automatically increase to a desired temperature when you are actually in the home.
Another tip is to program your thermostat for longer run-cycles. While this action won’t prevent problems, it can help lower humidity in your Waldorf area home. This can offer a more comfortable environment, plus keep mold spores from thriving in your home.
Keep Pests at Bay
Many bugs and pests are drawn to A/C 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 to keep them from “bugging” your air conditioner.
Stay Level
The majority of outdoor A/C units are positioned on a concrete slab or other platform, giving 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, limiting the performance of the air conditioner. Check on your outdoor component to make sure that the base continues to stay level.
Of course, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are also important to keep your air conditioner functioning well. Try to schedule system maintenance review 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.