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 best ways to keep your air conditioner running effortlessly is to stay up on annual maintenance and tune-ups. There are also a couple 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 a misunderstanding that exists about closing off vents in empty 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 can lead to concerns 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 running as it should be, the problem is very simple - drained batteries in your thermostat. Normally, your thermostat will give a warning approximately 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 changing the thermostat.
Your thermostat has a fan setting. If you realize that your system is constantly blowing air, you might have your fan set to "on" rather than "auto". The "on" switch constantly 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 swap your filters more often. This then leads to...
- Change Your Air Filter - A gross filter is the most common reason a heating system stops working. Dirt and debris keep air from passing around your system and that could possibly cause your air conditioner to overheat. Swapping 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 booked your annual air conditioner service yet, you can easily schedule an appointment by giving us a call at 208-578-4258.