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 operating 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. While not all A/C problems can be prevented, here are a few tips that can be used to lower the chance of this happening to you this summer.
Ensure Maximum 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 the air flow is blocked 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 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
A programmable thermostat is an easy addition to help lower your energy expenses and control the temperature of your Waukegan area home. 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 extended run-cycles. While this does not necessary prevent problems, it can help reduce humidity in your Waukegan area home. This can offer a more comfortable environment, as well as keep mold spores from developing in your home.
Keep Pests at Bay
Some bugs and pests are attracted to central air 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 exterior of the unit to keep them from “bugging” your air conditioner.
Stay Level
Most outdoor A/C units are situated on a concrete slab or other platform, allowing them a level base of operation. However, over time these can settle or sag, impacting the performance of the air conditioner. Keep an eye 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 pretty important to keep your air conditioner functioning well. Make sure 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 avoid A/C problems and have a stress-free and climate controlled home all summer.