It never fails. A heat wave is covering the Roanoke area and the air conditioner in your home starts blowing out warm air or stops working altogether. Along with hundreds of other people in our city, you grab the phone to call your HVAC specialist, and suffer with the heat until they arrive. While some A/C issues absolutely require a professional to service them, here are a few tips that can be used to minimize the possibility of this happening to you this summer.
Ensure Maximum Air Flow
A properly operating central air system must be able to pull the air through the unit, including recirculating air throughout the rooms of your home. If this process is obstructed in any way, it can end up translating to money out of pocket for you. 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 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. Program your air conditioner for warmer temperatures when the home is empty or at night when it cools down outside.
Also, program your thermostat for longer run-cycles. While this action won’t prevent problems, it can help lower humidity in your Roanoke area home. This can give you a more comfortable environment, plus keep mold spores from developing in your home.
Watch Out for Those Pests
For some reason certain bugs and pests are attracted to air conditioning 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 to keep them from “bugging” your air conditioner.
Stay Level
Nearly all 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, hindering the performance of the air conditioner. Every now and then, look at your outdoor component to confirm that the base continues to stay level.
Naturally, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are very important to keep your air conditioner functioning well. Make sure to schedule annual maintenance service 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.