Does this sound familiar?. Calgary is experiencing record heat and the air conditioner in your home begins blowing out warm air or stops working completely. Along with hundreds of other people in our community, you pick up the phone to call your HVAC specialist, and suffer with the heat until they arrive. While not all A/C problems can be prevented, here are a few tips that can be used to decrease the chance 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 this process is obstructed in any way, it can result in trouble and repair costs. To ensure your air conditioner has the air flow it needs, 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
A programmable thermostat is an easy addition to help lower your energy expenses and control the temperature of your Calgary area home. 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 lengthier run-cycles. We are not suggesting that this will prevent problems, it can help reduce humidity in your Calgary area home. This can provide a more comfortable environment, as well as keep mold spores from growing in your home.
Keep Pests at Bay
For some reason certain bugs and pests are attracted to air conditioning 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 to keep them from “bugging” your air conditioner.
Stay Level
The majority of outdoor A/C units are placed on a concrete slab or other platform, permitting 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 make sure that the base continues to stay level.
Naturally, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are very important to keep your air conditioner functioning well. 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 avoid A/C problems and have a stress-free and climate controlled home all summer.