It never fails. Orlando is experiencing record heat and the air conditioner in your home begins 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, 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 lower the chance 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 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 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. Adjust the temperature of your home to run less when you are at work or school, and automatically increase to a desired temperature when you are actually in the home.
In addition, program your thermostat for longer run-cycles. We are not suggesting that this will prevent problems, it can help reduce humidity in your Orlando area home. This can provide a more comfortable environment, plus keep mold spores from developing in your home.
Watch Out for Those Pests
Some bugs and pests are attracted to central air 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 situated 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. Keep an eye on your outdoor component to confirm that the base continues to stay level.
Naturally, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are also 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 decrease the chance of several common A/C problems and have a stress-free and climate controlled home all summer.