It never fails. A heat wave is covering the Austin area and the air conditioner in your home starts blowing out warm air or stops operating completely. Along with hundreds of other people in our town, you reach for 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 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 from within your home. If Air blockage or obstruction of any kind 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 trimming 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. We are not suggesting that this will prevent problems, it can help reduce humidity in your Austin area home. This can offer a more comfortable environment, as well as keep mold spores from developing in your home.
Keep Pests at Bay
Many bugs and pests are drawn to A/C 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 with a reasonably wide perimeter of 24 – 36 inches.
Stay Level
Nearly all outdoor A/C units are positioned on a concrete slab or other platform, giving them a level base of operation. However, the weight of the unit and ground moisture can cause your unit’s platform to sag or sink, limiting the performance of the air conditioner. Check on your outdoor component to ensure 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 running smoothly. Call 512-592-3072 to schedule system maintenance review before the summer starts to ensure your system is ready to face the hot days ahead. Following these suggestions, you may be able to minimize A/C problems and have a stress-free and climate controlled home all summer.