Does this sound familiar?. A heat wave is covering the Long Island area and the air conditioner in your home starts blowing out warm air or stops operating altogether. Along with hundreds of other people in our city, you reach for 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 reduce the likeliness of this happening to you this summer.
Ensure Maximum Air Flow
To work properly, your air conditioner needs to pull air through the system, including recirculating air throughout the rooms of your home. If Air blockage or obstruction of any kind can end up translating to money out of pocket for you. To guarantee great air flow, make sure to keep space around the vents - indoors and outside. This includes trimming back vegetation and cleaning dirt away from vents.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Controlling the consumption of your indoor energy use is simple with a programmable thermostat. 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 lengthier run-cycles. We are not suggesting that this will prevent problems, it can help bring down the humidity in your Long Island area home. This can provide a more comfortable environment, plus keep mold spores from thriving in your home.
Watch Out for Those Pests
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 foundation 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, allowing 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.
Naturally, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are pretty important to keep your air conditioner running smoothly. Make sure to schedule annual maintenance service 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.