It never fails. A heat wave is covering the Gainesville area and the air conditioner in your home is blowing out warm air or stops operating completely. Along with hundreds of other people in our town, you pick up the phone to call your HVAC specialist, and wait out the heat until relief arrives. Although some A/C problems will require a professional technician, here are a few tips that can be used to reduce the possibility of this happening to you this summer.
Max-Out the Air Flow
For the A/C system to work correctly, you need to ensure the air is pulling through properly, including recirculating air from within your home. If the air flow is blocked in any way, it can cause problems in your unit. To assure you have the manufacturer suggested air flow, make sure to keep space around the vents - indoors and outside. This includes cutting 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 longer run-cycles. While this does not necessary prevent problems, it can help lower humidity in your Gainesville area home. This can offer a more comfortable environment, in addition to keep mold spores from thriving in your home.
Get Rid of Any 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 base of the unit and check on it regularly throughout the summer.
Stay Level
Most outdoor A/C units are positioned on a concrete slab or other platform, permitting 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, impacting the performance of the air conditioner. Check on your outdoor component to ensure that the base continues to stay level.
Naturally, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are also important to keep your air conditioner functioning well. Call 352-414-4006 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.