It never fails. Winnipeg is experiencing record heat and the air conditioner in your home starts blowing out warm air or stops running entirely. Along with hundreds of other people in our community, you grab 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 lower the chance 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 from within your home. If Air blockage or obstruction of any kind can result in trouble and repair costs. To ensure your air conditioner has the air flow it needs, make sure to keep clear the immediate area around the vents - indoors and outside. This includes scaling 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.
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 Winnipeg area home. This can provide a more comfortable environment, in addition to keep mold spores from growing 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 base of the unit with a reasonably wide perimeter of 24 – 36 inches.
Stay Level
Most outdoor A/C units are positioned on a concrete slab or other platform, giving 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, hindering the performance of the air conditioner. Check on your outdoor component to confirm that the base continues to stay level.
Obviously, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are pretty important to keep your air conditioner functioning well. Try to schedule system maintenance review before the summer starts to ensure your system is ready to face the hot days ahead. Keeping these tips in mind, you may be able to avoid A/C problems and have a stress-free and climate controlled home all summer.