It never fails. A heat wave is covering the Houston area and the air conditioner in your home starts blowing out warm air or stops operating completely. Along with hundreds of other people in our community, 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 lower the possibility of this happening to you this summer.
Maximize 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 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 space around the vents - indoors and outside. This includes scaling 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. Set your thermostat to be on only when you are actually in your home.
In addition, program your thermostat for longer run-cycles. While this action won’t prevent problems, it can help bring down the humidity in your Houston area home. This can offer a more comfortable environment, as well as keep mold spores from developing in your home.
Get Rid of Any 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 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, allowing them a level base of operation. However, over time these can settle or sag, hindering the performance of the air conditioner. Check on your outdoor component to confirm that the base continues to stay level.
Of course, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are pretty 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 minimize A/C problems and have a stress-free and climate controlled home all summer.