Does this sound familiar?. A heat wave is covering the Cleveland area and the air conditioner in your home is blowing out warm air or stops running entirely. Along with hundreds of other people in our city, you pick up the phone to call your HVAC specialist, as you and your family brave the heat. While not all A/C problems can be prevented, here are a few tips that can be used to lower the likeliness 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 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. Program your air conditioner for warmer temperatures when the home is empty or at night when it cools down outside.
Another tip is to program your thermostat for extended run-cycles. While this does not necessary prevent problems, it can help bring down the humidity in your Cleveland area home. This can give you a more comfortable environment, plus keep mold spores from growing in your home.
Keep Pests at Bay
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 exterior 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, allowing 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.
Naturally, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are very important to keep your air conditioner running smoothly. Try 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 avoid A/C problems and have a stress-free and climate controlled home all summer.