Prevent A/C Trouble with These Tips
It never fails. Longmont is experiencing record heat and the air conditioner in your home is blowing out warm air or stops working completely. 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. Although some A/C problems will require a professional technician, here are a few tips that can be used to minimize the possibility of this happening to you this summer.
Maximize Air Flow
For the A/C system to work correctly, you need to ensure the air is pulling through properly, including recirculating air throughout the rooms of your home. If this process is obstructed in any way, it can cause problems in your unit. To ensure your air conditioner has the air flow it needs, make sure to keep space 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.
In addition, program your thermostat for longer run-cycles. We are not suggesting that this will prevent problems, it can help lower humidity in your Longmont area home. This can give you a more comfortable environment, in addition to keep mold spores from developing in your home.
Watch Out for Those Pests
Some bugs and pests are attracted to central air 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 foundation of the unit with a reasonably wide perimeter of 24 – 36 inches.
Stay Level
The majority of outdoor A/C units rest 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. 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 running smoothly. Try 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 minimize A/C problems and have a stress-free and climate controlled home all summer.
