Simple Ways to Avoid Calling for AC Repair This Winter
Winter has showed up and right now you're trusting your air conditioner more than ever. One of the easiest ways to keep your air conditioner running smoothly is to maintain appointments for annual maintenance and tune-ups. There are also some basic things you can check on yourself that may keep you from being left in the cold and in need of an emergency AC repair.
- Keep Air Vents Open - There's some misinformation out there about closing off vents in vacant rooms. In theory, it sounds like this would save on energy costs. However, closing off vents actually puts an unneeded strain on your system that could lead to problems in the future. Interior walls are not insulated and the temperature in the room then goes to other rooms in your house, creating an imbalance and causing your system to run less efficiently.
- Check Your Thermostat - Sometimes when your air conditioner isn-t working properly, the problem is very obvious - dead batteries in your thermostat. Normally, your thermostat will offer a warning around a month before the battery stops working, but if you missed it, that might be the cause of your heating troubles.
Are your vents blowing coolair instead of warm? There may be a simple explanation for it. Check and be sure your thermostat is set to "heat" instead of "cool". You never know who has been messing around with the thermostat.
Your thermostat has a fan setting. If you see that your system is always blowing air, you could have your fan set to "on" instead of "auto". The "on" switch always keeps your fan blowing, regardless if your AIR CONDITIONER is currently heating. The "auto" switch only keeps the blower running when the air conditioner is heating your home. Keep in mind, if you keep your switch set to "on" you'll have to exchange your filters more often. This then leads to...
- Change Your Air Filter - A dirty filter is the most common reason a heating system breaks down. Dirt and debris keep air from passing around your system and that could possibly cause your air conditioner to overheat. Changing your air conditioner filter is the easiest way to help try to extend the life of your heating system and avoid AC repair.
Along with these three tips, the best advice is to keep up with annual, scheduled air conditioner maintenance. If you haven't scheduled your annual air conditioner service yet, you can easily schedule an appointment by giving us a call at 520-200-1048.