Simple Ways to Avoid Calling for AC Repair This Winter
Winter has reared its head and right now you're counting on your air conditioner more than ever. One of the easiest ways to keep your air conditioner running effortlessly is to stay up on annual maintenance and tune-ups. There are also some simple 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 makes sense that it would save on energy bills. However, closing off vents actually puts an increased strain on your system that could lead to issues in the future. Interior walls are not insulated and the temperature in the room leaks to other rooms in your house, creating an imbalance and causing your system to operate less efficiently.
- Check Your Thermostat - Sometimes when your air conditioner isn-t working correctly, the problem is very obvious - dead batteries in your thermostat. Usually, your thermostat will offer a warning about a month before the battery runs out, but if you missed it, that might be the cause of your heating problems.
Are your vents blowing chilledair instead of warm? There might be a simple explanation for it. Check and ensure your thermostat is set to "heat" instead of "cool". You never know who has been playing 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 runs the blower when the air conditioner is heating your home. Keep in mind, if you keep your switch set to "on" you'll have to change your filters more often. This then leads to...
- Change Your Air Filter - A dirty filter is the most common reason a heating system stops working. Dirt and debris keep air from passing around your system and that may possibly cause your air conditioner to overheat. Changing your air conditioner filter is the easiest way to help possibly extend the lifetime 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 arranged your annual air conditioner service yet, you can easily schedule an appointment by giving us a call at 402-509-5940.