More Tips To Keep Air Conditioning Problems Away
If you think about all the possible things that could go wrong with your automobile's engine, and also understand that your heating and air conditioning system is the engine of your home, you'll start to fathom the myriad of possible problems your HVAC system could have without the proper maintenance. I've previously mentioned five of the most common air conditioning repair problems I run into nearly every day.
I'm often asked by customers, "What can I do to prevent repair problems besides just changing the filter?" They want to know if the break down could have been avoided and how. Here are a few more ways to help ensure your air conditioning system keeps up during the dog days of summer.
Check to ensure all air vents are open and free from obstruction.
Proper airflow is critical for all air conditioning systems. Return air grills (where room air is brought back to the air conditioning system) are particularly important.
The sides and top of the outside equipment must be clear of debris.
Check around the outdoor unit, the Air Conditioner or Heat Pump, and clear any vegetation or brush away from the sides of the unit.
Level the equipment pad.
As the area around the Air Conditioner or Heat Pump settles, the pad that supports the unit can unlevel. It's important for continued reliability that the Air Conditioner be level, or in the case of a Heat Pump only a slight slope occurs. A professional air conditioning company can help in this area.
Pest control can really help.
In many areas around the country, ants and bugs can be attracted to the electrical components within the outdoor Air Conditioner or Heat Pump. These bugs may actually cause the unit to malfunction and not start. An environmentally safe pesticide spread around the base of the unit can help prevent insect infestation.
If you don't have one yet, get a programmable thermostat now.
The EPA estimates that the proper use of a programmable thermostat can save as much as 15% more on the Air Conditioning portion of your home's energy costs.
For optimum comfort, it's important for the Air Conditioner to have longer run cycles.
Longer run cycles (cycles = the length of time that the system operates to cool the home) helps remove more humidity from the air and provides a much more comfortable living environment. Short cycles may not adequately remove moisture from the air and could lead to a "clammy" or "damp" environment. In many instances, the indoor air blower can be adjusted to provide maximum dehumidification, improving overall comfort. A professional Air Conditioning company can help in this area.