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 simplest ways to keep your air conditioner running efficiently is to stay up on annual maintenance and tune-ups. There are also a few 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 wrong information out there about closing off vents in unused rooms. In theory, it sounds like this would save on energy bills. However, closing off vents actually puts an unneeded strain on your system that can lead to concerns in the future. Interior walls are not insulated and the temperature in the room will leak to other rooms in your house, leaving an imbalance and causing your system to work less efficiently.
- Check Your Thermostat - Sometimes when your air conditioner isn-t running properly, the problem is very easy - drained batteries in your thermostat. Normally, your thermostat will offer a warning about a month before the battery stops working, but if you missed it, that might be the cause of your heating troubles.
Are your vents blowing coldair instead of heated? There could be a simple explanation for it. Check and make sure your thermostat is set to "heat" instead of "cool". You never know who has been messing around with the thermostat.
Your thermostat has a fan setting. If you realize that your system is consistently blowing air, you may 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 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 change your filters more often. This then leads to...
- Change Your Air Filter - A nasty filter is the most common reason a heating system quits running. Dirt and debris keep air from passing around your system and that can possibly cause your air conditioner to overheat. Swapping your air conditioner filter is the easiest way to help try to extend the lifetime of your heating system and avoid AC repair.
Along with these easy tips, the best advice is to keep up with annual, scheduled air conditioner maintenance. If you haven't scheduled your annual air conditioner service yet, you can easily schedule an appointment by giving us a call at 843-485-0967.