You’ve probably experienced this one. On the hottest day of the year, the air conditioner in your home starts 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 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 decrease the possibility of this happening to you this summer.
Maximize 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 this process is obstructed in any way, it can result in trouble and repair costs. To assure you have the manufacturer suggested air flow, 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 Boise area home. Set your thermostat to be on only when you are actually in your home.
Another tip is to program your thermostat for longer run-cycles. While this action won’t prevent problems, it can help bring down the humidity in your Boise area home. This can give you a more comfortable environment, in addition to keep mold spores from growing in your home.
Keep Pests at Bay
Many bugs and pests are drawn to A/C 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 and check on it regularly throughout the summer.
Stay Level
Most outdoor A/C units rest on a concrete slab or other platform, permitting 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 also important to keep your air conditioner operating as it should. Make sure to schedule a check up 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.