It never fails. Fort Worth is experiencing record heat and the air conditioner in your home begins blowing out warm air or stops working altogether. Along with hundreds of other people in our city, you pick up the phone to call your HVAC specialist, as you and your family brave the heat. Although some A/C problems will require a professional technician, here are a few tips that can be used to decrease the possibility of this happening to you this summer.
Maximize Air Flow
For the A/C system to work correctly, you need to ensure the air is pulling through properly, including recirculating air throughout the rooms of your home. If the air flow is blocked in any way, it can result in trouble and repair costs. To guarantee great air flow, make sure to keep the area clear 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 extended run-cycles. While this action won’t prevent problems, it can help reduce humidity in your Fort Worth area home. This can offer a more comfortable environment, plus keep mold spores from thriving 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 to keep them from “bugging” your air conditioner.
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, impacting 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 operating as it should. Make sure 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 decrease the chance of several common A/C problems and have a stress-free and climate controlled home all summer.