Does this sound familiar?. Concord is experiencing record heat and the air conditioner in your home is blowing out warm air or stops running completely. Along with hundreds of other people in our city, you pick up the phone to call your HVAC specialist, and wait out the heat until relief arrives. 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
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 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 cutting 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 lengthier run-cycles. While this action won’t prevent problems, it can help lower humidity in your Concord area home. This can give you a more comfortable environment, as well as keep mold spores from growing in your home.
Watch Out for Those Pests
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 foundation 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, 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. Every now and then, look at your outdoor component to ensure that the base continues to stay level.
Obviously, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are very important to keep your air conditioner running smoothly. 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 decrease the chance of several common A/C problems and have a stress-free and climate controlled home all summer.