It never fails. Charlotte is experiencing record heat and the air conditioner in your home starts blowing out warm air or stops working entirely. Along with hundreds of other people in our community, you reach for the phone to call your HVAC specialist, and wait out the heat until relief arrives. While not all A/C problems can be prevented, here are a few tips that can be used to reduce the chance 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 inside your home. If the air flow is blocked in any way, it can end up translating to money out of pocket for you. 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
Beyond helping reduce energy costs by regulating your home’s temperature, programmable thermostats can also help minimize impact on your system. Set your thermostat to be on only when you are actually in your home.
Another tip is to program your thermostat for extended run-cycles. While this does not necessary prevent problems, it can help reduce humidity in your Charlotte area home. This can give you a more comfortable environment, as well as keep mold spores from developing in your home.
Keep Pests at Bay
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 foundation of the unit with a reasonably wide perimeter of 24 – 36 inches.
Stay Level
Nearly all outdoor A/C units are placed on a concrete slab or other platform, permitting them a level base of operation. However, over time these can settle or sag, hindering the performance of the air conditioner. Keep an eye on your outdoor component to ensure 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 functioning well. Try 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 minimize A/C problems and have a stress-free and climate controlled home all summer.