It never fails. A heat wave is covering the Nashville area and the air conditioner in your home starts blowing out warm air or stops operating altogether. Along with hundreds of other people in our community, you pick up the phone to call your HVAC specialist, and wait out the heat until relief arrives. While some A/C issues absolutely require a professional to service them, here are a few tips that can be used to reduce the chance of this happening to you this summer.
Ensure Maximum 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 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 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 lengthier run-cycles. While this action won’t prevent problems, it can help bring down the humidity in your Nashville area home. This can offer a more comfortable environment, plus keep mold spores from thriving in your home.
Keep Pests at Bay
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 foundation of the unit and check on it regularly throughout the summer.
Stay Level
The majority of outdoor A/C units are situated on a concrete slab or other platform, giving them a level base of operation. However, just like a home’s foundation, your A/C’s platform can also sink or settle into the ground, hindering the performance of the air conditioner. Keep an eye on your outdoor component to ensure that the base continues to stay level.
Obviously, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are very important to keep your air conditioner operating as it should. Try to schedule a check up before the summer starts to ensure your system is ready to face the hot days ahead. By following these simple tips, you may be able to avoid A/C problems and have a stress-free and climate controlled home all summer.